Devine ISD Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach Jim Sessions left his mark on literally thousands of Devine youths over the more than a quarter century in which he taught and coached in this small, extremely tight-knit community.
Coach Sessions’ passing is a gut-punch to all who knew him but is especially difficult to former players and students, both past and present.
The love and mutual respect are evident in each reply as former Arabians and Warhorses bid adieu to a man they simply knew as “Coach J.”
In memory
“Coach J had a really good sense of knowing if someone was struggling with something. On days when no one knew I was having an off day, he would ask if everything was okay.”—Gehrig Runyan, Class of 2019
“It takes a special kind of coach to make an athlete understand the meaning of grit. Coach J created a culture for so many Arabians that made us excited to play the game of basketball. He was able to instill a certain confidence in me that I did not carry in any other sport. I will always be thankful for the 4 years I got to spend with Coach J and all of my teammates. We all love you and will miss you ( and your cookies) so much!”—Megan Runyan, Class of 2021
“Even though I did not have Coach J as a coach or teacher, he always treated me with the same kindness as if I had known him for years. It did not take much to know the great heart he had.”—Brooke Runyan, Class of 2021
“One of the great pillars of DHS. A man who shaped many students lives from athletics to academics. You always knew if you needed a smile you could walk past him on his bench outside his classroom. RIP to not only my coach but my friend!”—Beau Cardenas Class of 2017
“The district championships and success we had reflect our joy and passion that we played with for you. We knew you cared for each one of us and I sure hope you knew how much we loved you. I will cherish the memories forever. THANK YOU!”—Baylee (Quisenberry) Cardenas, Class of 2016
“Coach J treated us like his own and pushed us to be our best every single day. We played hard for him because we knew he loved us. I hope he knows how much we loved him. He let us be ourselves; we had a lot of fun and earned a lot of wins. I will cherish the memories of being an Arabian and playing for Coach J forever. We are all better for knowing Coach J and will miss him dearly.”—Preslee Quisenberry, Class of 2019
“Thank you for always believing in me and always having my back no matter what I went through. You allowed us to simply be our true selves. You were inspiration to so many. I love you and I will miss you always coach J (aka Juicy J). #TheJungleForever “POST UP” John 3:16.”—Jenna Sadler, Class of 2017
“I moved to Devine junior year, and I came from a toxic environment in basketball, and I was blessed to have you remind why I loved this sport so much. You always celebrated me and always made sure I knew I was worth something. I would not have known how special I was without your presence in my life. Thank you for treating me like your own and taking me in without even knowing me. I was blessed to have you in my life, God truly gained a beautiful angel. XOXO Coach J, till we meet again.”—Vanessa Oyola (aka VO), Class of 2017
“Coach J was an amazing basketball coach but an even better human. He left his mark on every student and player he met. We will miss you so much Juicy J but find comfort knowing you have the best seats in the world watching Arabian Basketball from heaven with Neva. #thejungleforever”—Tori Martin, Class of 2016
“One of the best human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for the laughs, love and support you gave to not only myself but the entire community. Fly high, Coach J!”—Dylan Montes, Class of 2015
“You taught us more than just how to play basketball or do fancy things on computers. You were more to all of us than just a teacher/coach. The Jungle will forever cherish the memories we got to make with you. We love you Juicy J!”—Kailee (Ramirez) Dougherty, Class of 2016
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:26 We have our Lord’s assurance that the sufferings of life cannot compare to the glory that is coming, for we have hope that is anchored in Christ, and an inheritance that is secured for us in heaven. As you look down from Heaven onto all of the fields/courts/courses you ever set foot, I hope you smile at the lives you touched and the legacy you leave.
PS: I will miss your delicious cookies and running through cookie drill. You had such a special way of pushing one beyond what they thought capable of themselves. You will be sorely missed. That final buzzer may have sounded but your legacy lives on. Rest easy, Coach.”—Sierra (Taylor) Zinsmeyer, Class of 2012
“I will be forever grateful for the blessing of a coach, mentor, and friend that God placed in my life. Coach J, you will be missed by the many lives you have impacted in Devine. However, this is not the end, God has the final word! I will miss you on this Earth but pray for Jesus to come quick, so that we may share His peace in heaven. Romans 10:5-11.”—Evan Mata, Class of 2021
“Mr. Sessions was a person full of love and light. Although I did not have him as a coach, he was one of my favorites. Mr. Sessions was the biggest fan of each and every kid. He would always tell me how great of a job I did after our Cross Country meets, come into my mom’s classroom and joke around with us, I would always beg him for some of his famous cookies, and he would always give in. I truly will miss him and seeing his smile when I would pop into Devine for a quick ‘hello.’ He was an amazing person with an amazing spirit and truly blessed with love from God. I have peace knowing he will be up in heaven coaching and smiling down on everyone he has ever encountered. See you soon Mr. Sessions, I hope you will have some cookies ready for me! Mathew 6: 33-34.”—Audrey Longoria, Class of 2022
“There are a million things to say, but most importantly, thank you, for all lessons you taught us, on and off the court, all the laughs & all the memories we have. Even though you are gone you still inspire SO many of us. I will never forget you. Rest easy Coach J.”—Elyse Espinoza, Class of 2016
“This is not a goodbye this is a farewell and see you soon, Jimbo. I will forever cherish every moment and greatest lesson you have taught me growing through high school and carrying it on to my future career. Your legacy to our maroon-and-gold will forever carry on and be remembered. Thank you Coach J for the best HS basketball memories!”—Yessika Garza, Class of 2016
“You were a great coach, teacher, and mentor, and playing for you was such a great time. I did not get to work with you but coached against you. I think playing Devine was always the hardest game we played, both physically and mentally. You would always give positive words, and I knew you truly meant it. If I had any questions, you were always willing to answer no matter the time. I cannot thank you enough for that! I knew my own two girls would probably never get to play for you but now, they will not get to truly know who the ‘Coach J’ was that I grew up with. Give my grandpa a hug. Love always!”—Katy (Herrera) Palacios, Class of 2004
“Coach J, words cannot express how hard it is to say goodbye to someone who left such a big impact on me both as a player and as a person. You saw the potential in me like no other and knew you could push me beyond my own limits, and for that, I am grateful. I will forever hold the memories I made playing for you (and the taste of your amazing cookies), close to my heart as those were some of the best times of my high school career. We love you and will miss you down here, but your legacy will live on through all of us. Until we see you again, stomp that foot a little louder in heaven like you would on that court. Rest easy, Coach.”—Ally Taylor, Class of 2021
By Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Read the full story on www.devinenewsmembers.com
