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