James "Jimmy" E. Cooksey 68, of Walnut Grove, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023. Jimmy was born on March 9, 1955, in Springfield, Missouri. On March 7, 1975, Jimmy and Deborah Wilson were united in marriage and to this union two children were born.

Jimmy loved Jesus. He was saved as a little boy and was a faithful Christian. His life had ups and downs, he overcame many obstacles, but he never wavered from his faith. He taught Sunday School, led music and lived his life trying to honor God. Jimmy loved to sing and taught his children. He 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. Jimmy had a strong work ethic and instilled that into his children. He enjoyed working outside and even enjoyed cutting wood. Jimmy loved fishing with friends and family, going to the horse races, and was an avid Chiefs and Cardinal fan. He was an excellent ball 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. Jimmy was a social butterfly and never met a stranger. He was always doing something for someone else and he particularly enjoyed cooking for others. Jimmy was a kind, positive, genuine, man who loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Michelle Inglett and husband Scott, Michael Cooksey; grandchildren, Tyler Inglett and wife Brooklyn, Alyssa Taylor and husband Jesse, Alec Inglett and wife Kaylee; great grandchildren, Titus Taylor, Ventus Inglett; 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; great nieces and nephews, Naomi, Stevie, Maddie, Evan, Aubrey, Easton, Coal, Roxy, Willard, Jasper, Samantha, Gabriel, Lilyann, Tucker, Lorelei; and a host of family and many friends.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Willard E. Cooksey.

Visitation will be 5:00PM-7:00PM Monday, May 22, 2023, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. Graveside services will be 11:30AM, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Wheeler Cemetery, Walnut Grove.

Jimmy gave to St. Jude's Hospital often in honor of his granddaughter. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Jude's Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.