Southton School, one of many rural school buildings that history has forgotten.
Until the early 50s, there were hundreds of rural community schools across Texas. One such elementary school was located in Southton, Texas, a few miles off Highway 87 and Hilltop toward Floresville. I have sweet memories of attending second grade there. The school consisted of three rooms with two grades and one teacher to each room. The first graders were on one end of our room and the second graders on the other. Our teacher sat at the back corner of the room. Her name was Mrs. Williams. I well recall so many happy times there including friends who still live in my memory, even though I have seen few of them since elementary school. One friend was Terry who sat next to me.
Terry was a talker, and so am I, but I’m also a rule follower. So one time when the teacher admonished us not to talk and anyone who did would get a spanking, Terry started talking to me and I told him to hush and I got caught. Sometimes we just get in trouble when it’s not our fault.
I also recall being awarded the distinction of best reader! Go figure. That brings to mind a wonderful memory of the mobile library. That was so exciting and, Oh, what a joy it was to walk down the aisle in that portable library in awe as I took in the smell of the books and made my choices. My favorite books were about ballet and horses.
I walked or rode my bike to school every day. It was about a mile from our home. On more than one occasion, my big, beautiful, white dog, Butterball, would follow me, and I would have to coax him back home. But generally, I did not ride or walk alone. Several neighborhood children also walked and rode their bikes to school. One of my classmates who rode her bike alongside me was named Margie, a neighbor and such a good friend.
Another fond memory of living at Southton was the post office. It was around the corner from the school and sometimes after school I would go there to pick up our mail. The post office consisted of a regular house, and when you walked up onto the porch and you faced the front door, to the left was another door which had been converted to a window where the clerk/homeowner would hand you your mail.
After second grade, that school was closed like so many others across the state, and the building, unfortunately from a historical viewpoint, was torn down. A new school house named Harmony, which was just off of Highway 87 east of Hilltop, became the new, up-to-date, modern elementary school. I attended Harmony third through sixth grades.
East Central ISD encompasses 296 square miles. When I attended Harmony in third through sixth grades, I rode the bus for 5 miles from home. Then in seventh grade, I attended Oak Crest, which was an hour from Harmony. So I rode the bus from my house to Harmony where I changed buses and rode from Harmony to Oakcrest. It was quite a trip.
Oakcrest was a new building situated across the street from East Central High School. As I recall, it had four rooms, two for 7th and two for 8th grades. The principal was one of my teachers. A fun fact is for lunchtime all students boarded a school bus and we rode across the road – Sulphur Springs Highway – to the East Central high school cafeteria. At the end of lunch, we all piled back in the bus and rode back across the road.
Today, Oak Crest is an elementary school with an enrollment of around 680 students. Because we moved to San Antonio near the end of my seventh-grade year, I left Oak Crest and my humble rural school to attend Burbank, which was a 4A high school, equivalent to today’s 5A. The junior high was on the same campus as the high school, which made for an even larger population. Talk about culture shock. Yet, I like to think that I experienced the best of two worlds, small country schools as a child and big city school as a teen.
In keeping with this rural school theme, stay tuned next week to learn about Medina County’s Shook school.
Author: admin
The Strange World of Vintage Cake
“The most dangerous food is wedding cake.”
-James Thurber
There is a funny episode from the great TV series Seinfeld where Elaine, needing an afternoon sugar rush, sneaks into her boss Mr. Peterman’s college boy mini fridge and nibbles on cake hidden within. This cake turns out to be a vintage slice from the 1937 wedding of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson worth $29,000. After ingesting the cake, and learning the value of her afternoon snack, Elaine tries to replace it with a grocery store substitute from Entenmann’s but is caught on camera enjoying “the most romantic thing she’s ever eaten.” We are left to imagine the pain Elaine will endure passing the antique cake that has been “stored for six decades in a poorly ventilated English basement.”
This sitcom story is funny, but it couldn’t be true, right? No one has ever heard of vintage wedding cake, bought and sold for profit, passed around after 70-80 years, have they? Much to my astonishment vintage cake trading and collecting is a real thing. This story is strange, but true!
Evidently there is a common practice of decades-old wedding cake being bought and sold by collectors, with pieces sometimes fetching thousands of dollars. Slices of wedding cake, especially royal wedding cake, are often given as souvenirs. These sometimes come up for auction. Buyers with a taste for history often snatch them up. And lest you think we are talking about moldy chunks of dry plaster-like cake topped with rancid vanilla frosting, apparently royal wedding cakes are traditionally made of fruitcake. Fruitcakes are extremely shelf stable. And a piece from 1937 might be almost petrified.
In 2014 a piece of cake from King Charles and Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding sold for $7,500. Another Charles and Di slice sold for $2,511 in 2021.
In 2015 a Beverly Hills auction house sold slices collected by a former chauffeur of Queen Elizabeth II. He had saved slices from the weddings of Princess Anne (1973), Prince Andrew (1986), Charles – both weddings (1981 & 2005), and Prince William (2011). In 2014 a separate auction house sold another slice from Prince William and Princess Kate’s wedding for $7,500.
Recently, a slice of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding cake from 1947 sold for $3,669. It was purchased by Gerry Layton and is one of the last pieces of cake from this wedding in existence. Despite its rarity, Layton plans to eat it. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s confection was a nine-foot-tall elegant baked monster of a cake weighing over 500 pounds. It was cut into 2000 pieces. In 2013 another Queen Elizabeth slice sold for $2,300, auctioned by Christie’s.
And just like in the Seinfeld episode, in 1998 a slice from Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson’s wedding sold for $29,900. Initially valued at $500-$1000, the buyer, entrepreneur Benjamin Yin, explained he bought the cake for sentimental reasons. “It represents the epitome of a great romance – truly romantic and elegant,” he said.
With my curiosity piqued, I went online in search of vintage cake for sale. For the heady price of $3,400 I found a royal wedding cake collection set. This consisted of three rare slices of official royal wedding cake, each from a “landmark royal marriage.” One slice was from the wedding of Charles and Diana. Another slice came from the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. The third was from Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s wedding. All are fruitcake, with special cream cheese frosting on the Charles and Di slice. The collection was offered for sale from the family of a former member of the Queen’s official bodyguard unit. Each piece comes wrapped in its original wax paper inside a monogramed silver presentation box with a signed letter of authenticity. If you are a royalist, or maybe just have an online shopping addiction, this antique cake can be yours with the click of a mouse.
The strange world of vintage wedding cake collecting seems like the stuff of fiction. Who knew it was real!
© 2025 Jody Dyer
typewriterweekly.com
Ed Lacy Haywood
Ed Lacy Haywood, 88, of Devine, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 27, 1937, Lacy lived a life filled with kindness, laughter, and an unwavering love for family and friends. Known for his steady nature, quick wit, and generosity, Lacy touched the lives of everyone he met.
A cowboy through and through, Lacy spent much of his life as a rancher, where he enjoyed riding and caring for his horses. He found peace in open pastures and quiet mornings in the saddle, where hard work and simple pleasures shaped his days. His love for animals and the outdoors reflected the same patience and loyalty he gave to his family.
Lacy attended school in Natalia, Texas, and devoted nearly 60 years of his life to Cox Cattle Company and Cox Feedlots, Inc. Throughout his career, he worked as a tractor driver, mechanic, truck driver, and all-around jack of all trades. Known for his strong work ethic and dependability, Lacy could fix just about anything and never hesitated to lend a hand to others. He took pride in a job well done and earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Haywood; his sister, Juanita Jones; his children, Vincent and Elexa Allen, Randy William, Robert and Melanie Haywood, Stacy and Amy Haywood, Sheila and Denis Haynes, and Whitney Haywood and Rodrigo Gomez; his stepdaughter, Nicole Haywood; 20 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Melicia Haywood, and his siblings, Lucille Brooks, Annette Todd, Gene Haywood, Liz Haywood, and Vivian Fields.
Though deeply missed, Lacy’s spirit will live on in all who knew him – riding with every sunrise over the Texas fields he loved.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Natalia, 301 Pearson Street, Natalia, Texas. Family and friends are invited to attend and honor his remarkable life.
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith, 59, of Hudson, Florida, passed away on October 10, 2025.
She was born on August 12, 1966, and spent her life working hard, loving deeply, and helping others in quiet but powerful ways.
Kelly had an immense love for the ocean. In recent years, she took up scuba diving and found great joy in catching and cooking fresh seafood. The water was her place of peace and freedom.
A determined and self-made woman, Kelly built her own insurance company from the ground up and faithfully provided for her family. She dedicated her life to ensuring her son had more opportunities than she did—and she succeeded. Her work ethic, resilience, and sacrificial generosity were the defining marks of her life.
Kelly had a heart that could not ignore someone in need. Whether it was helping an elderly woman named Fay recover money and find safe housing—and visiting her until she passed so she wouldn’t die alone—or caring for her father through his battle with Alzheimer’s when others would not, Kelly consistently stepped in when most people stepped away. These are only two examples of the countless acts of compassion she quietly carried out throughout her life.
She was strong, protective, and deeply loyal. Though she carried heavy wounds from her past, she never stopped showing love through action. Those who knew her best saw a woman whose toughness masked a deeply tender heart.
Kelly was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Smith.
She is survived by her son Joshua Ritchey and his wife Jazmin, her grandchildren Liberty (13), Tesla (11), and Emerson (3); her brothers Bryce, Brian, and Tracy; and her mother.
Kelly’s legacy is one of sacrificial love, fierce protection, and unwavering strength. She gave all she had so others wouldn’t suffer. She will be deeply missed, profoundly honored, and forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.
Local Police Report Week of Oct. 22
Natalia Police Report
10/13/2025 – Officer responded to the Cubbys for stolen property still under investigation.
10/15/2025 – Officer made a warrant arrest on 471 S near 8th
10/16/2025 – Officer responded for a call for service at the loves for an vehicle accident that occurred on the property
10/18/2025 – Officer responded to 100 Block E 4th for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle case is still under investigation.
Devine Police Report
October 10
13:05PM – Complainant on Howell Ave called in reference to suspicious car parked in front of residence.
15:29PM – Assisted MCSO Deputy with traffic stop on Hondo Ave. W
23:05PM – Complainant on Wilson Ave called in reference to a disabled vehicle in middle of roadway. Vehicle towed.
October 11
8:15AM – Complainant on Hayden called in reference to suspicious silver Dodge Chargers. Driver identified; all okay.
October 12
8:10AM – Complainant on Windy Knoll reported hearing shots fired in area. Officer patrolled but unable to locate.
9:00AM – Complainant on Hondo E called in reference to abandoned vehicle on property. Provided information for towing company.
11:33AM – Assisted MSCO with civil matter on County Road 774 – unwanted people on property.
15:30PM – Officer conducted skimmer check at location on Hondo Ave E. All was okay.
16:33PM – Complainant on IH 35 S reported male subject in clown costume walking with knife. All was okay, knife was a prop. No offense occurred.
18:44PM – Complainant on Rosewood Ave reported subject dressed in black looking through window.
22:26PM – Subject wearing mask fled to NE side of Rosewood Apts. Searched area but unable to locate.
October 13
18:35PM – Complainant on Upson Dr found woman’s bathroom near park open with toilet running and wouldn’t stop. City worker arrived to shut off water.
19:14PM – Officer stopped subject on Teel Dr and cited for DWLI and released.
October 14
8:37AM – Complainant on Park Ave called in reference to suspicious backpack found near her trash can. Officer made location and checked backpack, nothing illegal found. Left in trashcan.
10:51AM – Complainant on Bright Dr called in reference to smoke coming from backyard. Made contact with owner who extinguished smoke brush fire.
11:05AM – Complainant on Hondo Ave E called in reference to finding female on floor “not moving”. EMS dispatched, female was alert but not able to move; transported to Main Methodist. Female reported missing out of Helotes.
11:40AM – Complainant called in reference to possible hand guns heard at Devine Airport area, heard about 8-9 rounds.
11:51AM – Officer dispatched to Renfro Dr for a minor accident.
13:04PM – Complainant on Hayden Ave called in reference to occupied vehicle parked under trees. All okay.
17:19PM – Officer stopped vehicle for speeding on SH 132 N, subject cited for DWLI also.
20:00PM – Verbal disturbance on Bright Dr between female and male. Female departed for night.
October 15
16:34PM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave E – Intoxicated male escorted out of Library and jailed.
17:45PM – Complainant on SH 173 advised a vehicle almost struck her vehicle. Followed to Walmart pickup area but vehicle not there when officer arrived.
October 16
2:07AM – Assisted MCSO with two subjects at vacant residence. All okay.
6:11AM – Officer dispatched to 173 S to assist with major accident.
12:32PM – Four municipal warrants served on PR 6703.
18:08PM – Officer dispatched to Warhorse Dr for minor accident.
18:28PM – Complainant on Jack Nicklaus reported juveniles recklessly driving an ATV and wearing helmets. Unable to locate.
22:36PM – Complianant on Cardinal Dr reported suspicious vehicle in parking lot. Not occupied.
Lytle Police Report
Monday, October 13
1:16 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 2100 Blk. Luckey Rd. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an active disturbance.
2:38 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a three-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:18 PM – FM 2790 @ FM 463 – Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver and were unable to locate the vehicle.
Tuesday, October 14
12:47 AM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 90 Blk. Kinney Rd. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with an active disturbance.
6:30 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer retrieved a found wallet.
9:41 AM – Lytle PD – Officer conducted a follow-up on a case regarding a street closure.
10:15 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer retrieved a sword from a consumer entering the facility for safekeeping.
10:43 AM – Lytle PD – Officer released evidence to an agent for the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center on an open case.
10:50 AM – FM 2790 & N. Benton St. – Officer received a complaint for illegal dumping at the above addresses from the city Code Compliance officer.
2:35 PM – Assist Atascosa EMS – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist a motorcycle rider involved in a one vehicle accident.
4:47 PM – 19700 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
5:35 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a vehicle fire that had been extinguished by an employee before their arrival.
9:00 PM – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – FM 2790 @ McCoy Ln. – Officer responded outside the city limits of Lytle for a 911 open call. Everything was okay.
Wednesday, October 15
12:15 AM – IH 2790 @ IH 35 Frontage Rd (Park & Ride) – Officer observed a small SUV near a parked 18-wheeler. Everything was okay.
5:42 AM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a one-vehicle non-injury accident.
4:58 PM – 14800 Blk. LytleSomerset – Officers responded to check on a male holding up a sign.
6:22 PM – 800 Blk. CR 6710 – Officer responded to a suspicious male. Everything was okay.
7:09 PM – 15100 Blk. Norvell St. – Officers responded to an unwanted visitor. The female was encountering a mental crisis and was detained for an emergency detention and transported to Laurel Ridge Treatment Center.
Thursday, October 16
2:37 AM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and found everything was okay.
9:58 AM – 19900 Blk. IH 35 – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
3:49 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to unlock a vehicle.
3:54 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to an intoxicated female, which resulted in the arrest of a 43 year old female for Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, and Felony Harassment. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
7:50 PM – 14600 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer responded to a two-vehicle minor injury accident.
9:27 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to unlock a 2011 Cadillac CTS.
Friday, October 17
7:08 AM – IH 35 Frontage Rd. @ FM 2790 – Officer responded to jump-start a 2013 Jeep Wrangler.
8:03 AM – 20200 Blk IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of an unknown vehicle that drove through the property, with $15,000 damage to the septic system.
9:45 AM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a welfare check on a homeless male and provided a courtesy ride.
11:02 AM – 14800 Blk. Main St. – Officers provided a funeral escort.
1:29 PM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:11 PM – Assist Texas DPS – IH 35 (Rolling Meadows) – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist with a DWI investigation.
Saturday, October 18
7:09 AM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
8:00 AM – 19300 Blk. McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person and found everything was okay.
12:13 PM – Lytle PD – Officer released personal property to its owner.
3:55 PM – 15600 Blk. SH 132 – Officer observed that the 45 MPH sign entering the city was missing.
6:59 PM – 19400 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 51 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated with an Open Container 1st Offense. Texas DPS Trooper Ward assisted on the stop. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
7:58 PM – 17900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officer provided a bus escort for the Lytle High School Band to the High School.
8:39 PM – Main St. @ Gray St. – Officer responded to a report of a male stumbling. The male was okay and provided a courtesy ride to the 15700 Blk. Main St.
10:52 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of loud music. The DJ turned the music down.
11:22 PM – 15500 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a male lying on the ground. The male was provided a courtesy ride.
Sunday, October 19
1:11 AM – 15000 Blk. Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for speeding, which resulted in the arrest of a 43 year old male for Evading with a vehicle, Evading Arrest, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Texas DPS Trooper Ward assisted on the stop. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
8:52 AM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officers responded to the report of a missing 59-year-old male patient. The man was located and returned to the Nursing Home at 10:00 AM.
12:52 PM – 15300 Blk. Oak St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. Everything was okay.
1:55 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to two out-of-state juveniles on the phone regarding an online dating interaction.
9:11 PM – N. Somerset St. @ Main St. – Officers initiated a traffic stop for a defective taillight, which resulted in the arrest of a 46 year old male for Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense and Possession of Marijuana. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
10:28 PM – 17900 Blk. Rocky Circle – Officer responded to a report of a vehicle driving in the resident’s backyard but was unable to find it.
11:43 PM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 @ MM 132 – Officer responded to assist in a traffic stop but was cancelled before he arrived.
Community to Honor Veterans with Wreaths Across America Ceremony in Devine
Community to Honor Veterans with Wreaths Across America Ceremony
The Current Events Club is once again gearing up to participate in the Wreaths Across America program, a heartfelt initiative to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. This year, the club invites the community to join in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony for local veterans at Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph Cemeteries.
Remembering Our Heroes
The mission of Wreaths Across America is simple yet powerful: to remember, honor, and teach the next generation about the importance of freedom and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. Volunteers across the nation place fresh, balsam wreaths on the graves of veterans during the holiday season, ensuring that each soldier’s sacrifice is never forgotten.
Locally, the ceremony will recognize veterans who have passed and are laid to rest in America Day ceremony will take place on:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Devine Evergreen and St. Joseph Cemeteries
The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend, whether to participate in placing wreaths, attend the ceremony, or simply take a moment of reflection at the gravesites.
How You Can Help
The Current Events Club also invites community members to sponsor a wreath. Each wreath costs $17, and donations go directly toward the wreath placement. The wreaths are a symbol of respect and gratitude for those who served and are a cherished part of the event.
If you have family members or know of veterans who are buried at either of the cemeteries, please take a moment to review the list of veterans provided by the club. If you notice any names missing, or if you want to ensure a loved one is included in this year’s wreath-laying, please contact Linda Kreinhop at 830-665-6377 or Martha Wall at 210-213-5620.
Why We Do This
“Wreaths Across America is more than just a ceremony; it’s a way for us to teach future generations the importance of remembering those who came before them,” said Kreinhop. “It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made, not just by soldiers, but by their families and communities. This holiday season, let’s come together to honor these heroes.”
Join Us
The Wreaths Across America ceremony provides a meaningful opportunity for reflection and community bonding, and the Current Events Club invites everyone to participate. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in honoring our nation’s veterans and ensuring their legacy endures.
VFW invites community to honor loved ones
Lytle VFW invites you to “Honor a hero, preserve a legacy” and Support our Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post by purchasing a custom laser-engraved brick to be placed on the Memorial Wall near the flag poles at Lytle VFW.
Price: Introductory offer: $50.00 (4”x8”) or $65.00 (8”x8”) per brick if ordered by December 1st.
To place your order on-line please visit: donate.brickmarkers.com/lmvfw
Local Sports pages!
LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Marching Bands earn 1s and Qualify for AREA
Remembering Coach J: Jim Sessions’ legacy lives on in Devine
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Not sure how it has already been one year, but October 23 marks the first anniversary of the passing of longtime Devine resident, teacher, and coach James “Jim” Sessions. That morning, this tightknit community lost one of its most impactful people, yet his presence still lingers in every gym, every faculty meeting, and all social interactions in which his memory is shared.
For those who knew him, it feels impossible to believe this much time has passed since his voice last echoed through the gym that now bears his families surname. The place that many simply referred to as “the DSAC” while Coach Sessions was actively urging his players to dig a little deeper, to fight a little harder, and to believe in themselves as much as he believed in them is now “Sessions Court” after the honorary renaming this past February.
Coach Sessions was so much more than just an athletic director and basketball coach. He was a mentor, a motivator, and a father figure to countless high school and middle school students and athletes who proudly wore the maroon and gold just as he did while he was a teenager growing up in the same hallways that became his place of employment.
Coach Sessions approach with his teams was firm yet compassionate. Whether it was a late-night pep talk, a sideline smile or gesture after a great play, or a pat on the back following a tough loss, “Coach J” as his players affectionately called him, had a way of making every player feel valued, capable, and unapologetically loved.
Those who worked beside him remember not just his undeniable passion for Arabian and Warhorse programs, but his deep care for people…all people. Jimbo’s laughter and the way he communicated with those who were dear to him is something that we all can treasure and reflect upon as this unfathomable anniversary sneaks upon us.
The grief of losing Jimbo remains heavy, as does the gratitude for having had him at all. Since his passing, he has been honored in ways both grand and quiet from memorial tributes and moments of silence to players and coaches dedicating their entire season to his memory.
In Devine, sports have always been more than just games as every competition is a direct reflection of this town’s heart. And Jimbo embodied that heart.
Coach Sessions’ legacy is not something that has faded with time, nor will it ever. It is forever woven into the very fabric of what Devine High School athletics and academics is truly about.
We miss you, Jimbo, and although time has passed, your influence on this community will never fade as your presence remains deeply felt in the halls, sidelines, and hearts of everyone lucky enough to have called you friend.
Tributes
Through the following short but meaningful tributes, colleagues of Jim Sessions shared heartfelt messages honoring the impact he made on their lives.
“I remember that we got to watch the new movie, Top Gun: Maverick at the movie theater together . We were huge fans of Top Gun, quoting lines all of the time. What made it extra special was the kids were excited that Uncle Jim was going to the movies with us. We all had a great time, but Jim and I enjoyed it the most reminiscing about our adolescence.”—Joe Navarro
“To say we miss him would be a huge understatement. He made a positive difference in so many lives by just being Jimbo, Coach J, and Juicy. He always put the need of others’ ahead of his own. We were all lucky to have known him and fortunate to have had him as a colleague and truly blessed to have him as a real friend. He is more than missed!!!”—Chad Quisenberry
“I miss him every day and definitely missed him last basketball season, but hope we made him proud. I think about him all of the time and miss the long talks with him on the phone, at his house, and in his office. And of course, with basketball season right around the corner all of our basketball memories we shared together come back and make me smile.”—Hannah Thompson
“It feels like just yesterday that we lost such a great human being like Coach Sessions. I know he is smiling in heaven so proud of our DHS athletes and students and how they continue to compete and live their lives the right way. He continues to be loved by so many, and his legacy will live on. Love you Jimbo!”—Paul Gomez
“I miss going to his office and talking about work and not talking about work. I miss seeing his players excited about practice or film. I miss my friend.”—Evan Eads
“Jim was the brother that I never had, and I miss him every day. We had some good times coaching basketball together, working the track meets, going to coaching school together and so much more. He was there for me during some of my toughest times being a shoulder to cry on, just to listen to me vent but he was also one of my biggest supporters during those times. I will never forget the last phone call we had right after our win at Somerset last year. It was a great conversation and he so proud of the Arabians and couldn’t wait to see them in playoffs. Little did I know that would be our last conversation and I wish I could have told him so much more that night.”—Leigh Anne McIver