Dr. Coker is preceded in death by his wife Ernestine Wills Coker; his parents; and a brother, Mack Coker. Survivors include one daughter, Sandra Yingst and husband Len of Rogers; two granddaughters, Whitney Bailey and husband Greg of Bella Vista; and Kara Reeves and husband Jeff of Bentonville; and three great-grand children, Hudson and Bennett Reeves of Bentonville; and Maggie Bailey of Bella Vista. In addition, the family wishes to thank Martha Becker of Pea Ridge for her faithful service as Dad's caregiver for the past seven years.
Jess was a retired college professor, having taught at the University of Arkansas-Monticello for many years. Besides teaching at UAM, he had been a teacher, principal, and superintendent in the Tiller public schools.
He was a decorated US Army veteran of the New Guinea and Philippines Campaigns in WWII. He earned the Purple Heart, a battlefield commission, and a Bronze Star for his gallantry and outstanding service. He wrote about his experiences in "My Unforgettable Experiences of WWII" and used the proceeds to offer scholarships to college students at UAM.
Jess retired to Rogers in 1999. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post, and the Rogers Optimist Club. For his great generosity, boundless dedication, and hard work for the Rogers Optimist Club, the club honored him, forevermore, by naming its "Optimist of the Year" award in his honor. He enjoyed speaking to students about his WWII experiences while wearing his WWII uniform. He was interested in young people in the area, always stressing wise choices and attaining higher education.
In conclusion, there is a great void in the lives of his family today. We will miss his love and support, his encouragement and generosity. His commitment for living a life of service to his family, his church, and to his community is a wonderful legacy.
A memorial service is also planned for December 23, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 307 W. Elm St., Rogers, Arkansas, with Reverend David Bentley officiating.
Condolences(24)
James
, TX Friday, November 10, 2017 Just now getting to your book “my unforgettable memories of World War II”; it was a blessing to meet you in Barnes & Noble that one afternoon and I’m sure I will see you again in heaven brother. :-) Rest in peaceR. D. Morgan
Haskell, OK Sunday, December 29, 2013 While I never met Mr Coker I did read his book and was deeply impressed by his service as well as his ability to write a good story.......As fellow veteran I can only say: Rest in Peace my brother.....Brian and Rita Hafley
Springdale, AR Thursday, December 19, 2013 Jesse was truly a good man. He was so dedicated to The Optimist Club and worked hard to ensure its success. He will be missed and his legacy of commitment and pride in a job well done will never be forgotten. I remember when Brian and I went to one of his book signings. We were so proud that we were a friend of his but when he introduced us, he made us feel good that our presence really mattered. He had that way about him. I remember how he spoke of Ernestine and how much he loved her. He impressed us in a lot of ways. We were unable to attend the funeral in Monticello but we have the memorial service 12-23 on our calendar to honor him.Hershel Gober
Palm Coast, FL Saturday, December 7, 2013 Jesse was a great man and was an inspiration to me and many others. We stayed in touch. When I worked in Washington, DC he visited me at my office across from the White Hous and presented me with a copy of his book. He loved Monticello, the college and the many friends he had there. All of us who had the opportunity of knowing Jesse are better for it.Terry Thurman
Pea Ridge, AR Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Jesse Coker you will truly be missed in the veterans community. Throughout your life you have impacted the life of so many men and women. I always enjoyed getting to visit with you. Your dedication to not only your era of veterans but for all that come after you will forever make a change. I always enjoyed your questionig the VA on their "funny math". Rest in peace Americas Hero.Patty Dial
Bella Vista, AR Wednesday, December 4, 2013 Jesse, you were a true veteran, friend and we looked forward to you coming into our office. You will be missed. I enjoyed reading your book so much. Much love to you.Patty
Joe H. Camp, Jr., Ph. D.
Greenwood, SC Tuesday, December 3, 2013 I am left somewhat speechless by the revelation of Dr. Coker's passing last week, I am forever grateful to him for assistance with my research on the 32nd Infantry Division in WW2, Pacific Theater. His was a wealth of knowledge and a rare willingness to share even the most harrowing and heartbreaking of his experiences, inasmuch a personal mission to pass on to younger generations what war was really about. His memoir is indeed one of the best first-person accounts ever written on this aspect of WW2, and I am honored that he allowed me permission to quote him in my own work. Many may not know that he used the proceeds from sales of his book to set up an endowment scholarship at UA Monticello. He was always very upbeat and positive, despite his health, in the times we spoke and corresponded. My heart goes out to his family because he was indeed a great guy and will certainly be missed. JHCJudy Hatley Sipes
Little Rock, AR Monday, December 2, 2013 Dr. Coker was a gentleman and a scholar as they say, but also hero of the highest order. His love for God, family and country was evident in his words and lifestyle. He was one of the best.Desi and Tarar Ledbetter
Little Rock, AR Monday, December 2, 2013 Dr. Jess Coker will surely be missed. It is unimaginable to think of all of the good, kind and sincere gestures and offerings that Jess has spearheaded for Optimists everywhere and the Optimist Hearing Foundation of Arkansas, Inc. His kindness and generosity was a testament to his true soul and character. Dr. Coker was always a person that could look past a person's faults and see the true goodness for what they were seeking. He is and always will be the genuine definition of an American role model and it is truly an honor to know that he considered me as a good friend. Love to all of his family as we celebrate his life and legacy.Frank Trude
Ruston, LA Sunday, December 1, 2013 To the Coker Family. What a shock to hear the news about Dr. Jess. It saddens us greatly to hear of one of our old and dear friends departing. We have been knowing Dr. Jess since in the early 60's. He was a true Optimist and the Optimist creed was written with him in mind. The one phrase that makes me always think about Jess was, "To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best"I would call him every year on his birthday and the last few years he was always talking about writing another book. Now maybe Earnestine can help him finish it.
You have our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow.
may God bless each and everyone of you.
John & Janis Smith
Malvern, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 John & I would like all Jesse's family to know we are deeply sorry for your lose. John is his sister-in-law, Frankie Coker's brother. I first met Jesse at Wal-Mart one day, several years ago when he was selling his book. My daughter was with me, and was a student at UAM at the time, and was very excited to meet and talk with him. I purchased his book for her. I later met him at Mack and Frankie's house when Mack passed away and had an opportunity to just sit and visit with him. He touched my heart that day, and I have had the utmost respect and admiration for him ever since. I know his passing will leave a very big emptiness in your family, but take heart in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior, and back with his beloved wife, Ernestine, his brother Mack, and all his other loved ones who have gone before him.Tom Pyron
Sherwood, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Dearest Sandra and all others of Jesse's family:I am greatly sorry for your loss. I held Jesse in the highest regards as wonderful example of integrity and hope. I will offer intentions at mass for him and all of you. God Bless all of you.
Tom Pyron
T.W.Winningham, Jacqlyn and Steve Williamson
Griffin, GA Saturday, November 30, 2013 Sorry to hear the news. Dad talks about Jesse often. Wish we could have been able to see him. We are in Georgia now and wish we were closer to attend the services. We love you all and our prayers are with all the family.Dean & Jan Muetzel
Rogers, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Jessie continually helped us with projects involving Special Education youngsters Swim Team & Special Olympics and a week at summer camp at the university each summer.In Rogers he helped us with the Arkansas Nautical Museum. Helped raise money for the Warm water Therapy pool now built at the Adult Wellness Center Jessie will be missed by all who knew him
Crissy Howard
Rogers, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 I met Mr. Coker when I managed Bath and Body Works at the old mall in Rogers. He came by to visit and we'd talk forever. At the time he was going through chemo and I'd never seen someone in such great spirits to be going through what he was. I enjoyed our visits so much. I think everyone in our store bought his book, and my husband had him come to Sam's to talk about his book and his stories of his service to our country. So proud to have known him, but sad that the last time I visited with him was at his wife's serviceseveral years back. I know he loved his family so much, he always bragged about them. My love and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Will for sure attend his service in Rogers.
Cindy Jordan Isch
Knoxville, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Extending my deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Jesse Cocker. What a pillar he was in the community of Drew County and a true friend to my parents and our family. He will be greatly missed!Bruce Claire Grubb
Fayetteville, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Sandy, your Dad has been a major influence on my life. He was my mentor even in my thoughts after 50 years. I love you and my prayers are with you, Len and your family.BC
Paul Johnson
Rogers, AR Saturday, November 30, 2013 Dr. Coker was a blessing to know. I am glad to have had my life touched by his. Not only his life, but the lives of his family. Sandy, Len, Kara & Whitney, you are not alone in feeling the loss of fellowship of a great man. Be proud of your heritage, it is one for which you should be proud.Orbert and Christeen Curry
Warren, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 Sandra and Family you are in our thoughts and prayers.Patsy Yocum
Newark, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 Sandra,One of my friends from Arvest emailed me and told me about Jesse's passing. I am a better person for having known Jesse. He was always so positive and always made my day when he came into my office. When he found out I was leaving Arvest and moving to Batesville, he was truly happy for me, but sad that I was leaving. I will always remember traveling with Jesse and your Mom. Jesse was such an interesting man and I never grew tired of his stories. May he rest in peace and enjoy heaven with the love of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Terri
Monticello, AR Friday, November 29, 2013 Dr. C I will miss you so much. You were a second father to me and you made me a better person. You touched so many lives in a positive way. I know you are happy though reunited with the love of your life. Tell her, I miss her too.Sandra thank you for sharing your father. I'm praying for peace and comfort for your family. Terri Connard
Andy Connard
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 28, 2013 Farewell, to a true friend.Chris Black
Batesville, AR Thursday, November 28, 2013 Jess was a true Optimist and the District will miss you. My heart goes out to the family but now he is back home with Ernestine.Bill Moore
monticello, AR Wednesday, November 27, 2013 the veterans of vfw post 4515 thank you for the serviceyou gave to your country and community.and i am glad
to have had you for a friend.you will be greatly missed.