Jimmie P. Cokinos

Bonnie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Cokinos Family: Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband, father, and uncle. The Cokinos family is stellar in Beaumont and I am pleased to have known all four brothers. One of my greatest memories of Jimmie was the night we bumped into each other in a Dairy Queen in Fort Stockton in the 70's. With our CB radios we travelled I-10 to San Antonio as he regaled me with stories of his children. We also had a conversation about Andre's famous beer can collection. Blessings to you all, and please accept my condolences. Also, it is fitting to honor his memory on this weekend before Veterans' Day. I salute you, Jimmy. Say hi to Pete and Andrew for me. You are all missed.

Dearest Bonnie, Thank you for sharing Jimmy with the community. He made a real and very valuable contribution. I enjoyed my times with him always, and he certainly was a fine role model for me and other Mayors. I also know that for every minute given by him that you and the family gave also. You are blessed for the years you had with him and he also for the years spent with you. I send you my condoleneces and my love.

Dear Bonnie, Stacie, and Andre,

Jimmie was one of the most kindest & thoughtful individuals I have known. I have many fond memories of him during the years that I lived across the street from you. One in particular, involved a kite. One of the kids on the block had a new kite, and he and five of his friends were gathered on my driveway trying to get this kite to fly. Jimmie saw their efforts, and came to help. It was a Charlie Brown moment. Jimmie got the kite in the air with his first try--straight to the utility pole at the end of the drive, where it quickly wrapped around the pole, wires, etc. Jimmie stood looking at the kite, and the kids were looking at Jimmie. Jimmie promptly told the kids to wait a few minutes, and he would be right back. He drove to Toys 'R' Us, and bought each child a kite. When he returned, the kids, who had waited in my yard staring at the forlorn kite, were so excited to see the kites, which Jimmie put together for them. All spent the rest of the afternoon trying to fly the kites, away from the utility pole. All had a great time!

I can still see Jimmie in a small aluminum boat, the morning after the April 19, 1979 flood, with his hat, trench coat, umbrella, shorts, black socks, and old leather shoes, going by each house on our street checking to see if there was anything he could do to help.

It was always so characteristic of Jimmie to look out for others. He lived a blessed life, and I feel blessed that I knew him. You are in my prayers.

Linda

Dearest Bonnie,

For years, you and Jimmie offered a loving, creative and hopeful second home for me at the studio. I miss you both dearly and am honored to have had you both as role models and mentors. Jimmie influenced my life in many ways beyond his constant support of you and the studio. He gently and wisely advised me on college and service to community! Your marriage was an example to many young dancers of devoted support and love. May God offer you, Andre, Stacie and your entire family comfort in many joyful memories and knowing his legacy carries on far and wide!

Love and prayers,
Jana (Hartman) Lynch,
Thomas Lynch III
and Thomas, Andrew and Adam

Jimmy, Ms Bonnie and the Cokinos family have always been a warm presence in my life. I always loved seeing Jimmy as a little girl in his office next to the dance studio smiling and saying hello or with my grandparents. He will be dearly missed.

Jimmy's smile and indomitable spirit was an inspiration to me. Anytime his name comes to my ear, a visual of his bright encouraging smile and a remembrance of all he accomplished in his life comes to me.

Dear Cokinos family,
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of such a dedicated man. His accomplishments & stories will keep you until you meet again. This story of his life immortalizes Mr Cokinos so well; I really enjoyed reading it. Your writing skills are wonderful; thank you for your insight. Cherish your wonderful memories!

We cannot tell you how sorry we are. He was an amazing man and one of the sweetest gentlemen I have ever met. We send all of our love to all of you and hope that time and all of your beautiful memories will give you peace.

So many wonderful years and memories from Mrs. Bonnie's. Will always remember Mr. Jimmy bringing flowers to his lovely bride after every recital. God bless and keep you!