JAMES "JIMMY" E. COOKSEY

James “Jimmy” E. Cooksey, 68, of Walnut Grove passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023. Cooksey was born on March 9, 1955, in Springfield. On March 7, 1975, Jimmy and Deborah Wilson were united in marriage and to this union two children were born.
He was saved as a little boy and was a faithful Christian. He taught Sunday School, led music and lived his life trying to honor God.
Cooksey began his career on the railroad working for Frisco on the tie gang and worked in Mississippi. After 25 years on the railroad, he retired as a machine operator for BNSF.
Cooksey was an excellent baseball player and had the opportunity to go to the major leagues. He passed that chance up, but his competitive nature kept him playing and coaching well into adulthood.
Cooksey is survived by his children, Michelle Inglett and husband Scott, Michael Cooksey; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings Dennis Cooksey and wife Libby; Kevin Cooksey and wife Vicky; nieces and nephews, Justin and Bracey Tittle, Sara and Josh Woods, Barry and Paige Wilkinson, Mike and Kristen Stokes, Tyler and Icy Bailey, Jeffrey and Shena Wilkinson, Luke Cooksey; several great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of family and many friends.
Cooksey was preceded in death by his father Willard E. Cooksey.
Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. Graveside services were at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Wheeler Cemetery, Walnut Grove.
Cooksey gave to St. Jude’s Hospital often in honor of his granddaughter. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.