James "Jim" William Sessions

James "Jim" Sessions, age 50, of Devine, Texas, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his father, Don Sessions, and sister, Neva Sessions.

Jim is survived by his mother, Gayle Sessions; Uncle, Jim Tipps (Pam), cousins; Jon Sessions (Marcy), Jason Tipps (Carla), Daniel Tipps (Kristina), and Jordan Tipps (Sylene).

Jim was born in Jourdanton, Texas on May 29, 1974. He was a lifetime resident of Devine, Texas, and graduated from Devine High School where he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the top 10% of his graduating class. After High School, he attended UTSA in San Antonio where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and later his Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M, Kingsville.

In 1997 mom, Gale Sessions, who was the girl’s athletic director, hired him as an assistant coach in volleyball, basketball, and softball. He followed in his father’s footsteps teaching math at Devine Middle School. In 2000 he took over the Arabian softball program and advanced to the state tournament where they finished 2nd. He became the head Arabian basketball coach in 2004. His goal this year was to win at least 25 games for a career total of 500 wins. As the Arabian basketball coach, he won numerous districts, bi-district, and area championships, and made 6 trips to the regional tournament. But more importantly, he was highly respected by area coaches and officials.

When he accepted the head girls’ basketball position, he moved from the middle school to teaching technology classes at Devine High School. Soon, because of his technology teaching background and his willingness to help anyone out, he became the "guru" for many DHS events for all sports, graduations, track meets, banquets, and other activities that required his expertise. He was passionate about his calling to be a teacher and coach, and he cared about all his students regardless of whether they were athletes or not. Teachers and students knew he truly cared about them and his door was always open for them to come by to talk, joke around, visit, or seek his advice. Coach J. was wise beyond his years.

In 2022 he accepted the job as DHS athletic director. He called it his dream job, at his dream school in his dream town. He was really looking forward to this 3rd year with his new hires and former staff and some of the changes he had implemented. His vision for the athletic program was for coaches to work their athletes hard, demand respect and discipline, but at the same time show compassion. Care for all, correct them when needed, and praise them often. He was excited about this year. He thought it would be successful, fun, and memorable. Jim was a member at the First Baptist Church in Devine, Texas.

A Visitation will be held At the First Baptist Church on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with family receiving friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 PM located at the Devine Student Activity Center Gymnasium (DSAC). Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Devine Dollars for Scholars.

If you would like to share a memory or express your condolences, you may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas. 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016.