James David Kotsonas

Age 60 – passed 06 July, 2020

Husband, son, brother, grandfather, a fierce friend. Jim was, for many who knew him, the epitome of kindness. He was also, at the same time, a passionate believer in truth and what was right. He followed his own path but never at the expense of family and friends. Jim started this path working for Greenpeace which allowed him to follow different musical acts throughout the country trying to educate and inform. Afterward, he moved into the IT profession with a non-profit organization with a similar fervor. The common thread throughout both was his desire to help others and make a positive difference.

Jim also loved to work in the garden, and making jam with Lori was a special pleasure, but what he enjoyed most was being able to share the fruits of their labor with others. He loved going on long hikes with their dog Shiloh and taunting the squirrels and possums. He always looked forward to camping and spending time with his granddaughter Kailyn who adored her “Grandpa Jimmy.” And his sense of humor was infectious. He had a gift for making others smile. For him, jokes were not a one-liner; they lasted years. One of his many lasting legacies is passing on this sense of humor to his granddaughter.

Jim is survived by his wife-partner-soulmate of 19 years, Lori Kotsonas, his two step children, Brandon Smith and Heather Smith, and his adored granddaughter Kailyn. He is also survived by his parents George and Marvyl Kotsonas and brothers Gregg (Vicki, Peter, Sam) Kotsonas and Marc (Dimitria, Georgia, Athanasia) Kotsonas

Jim’s home and heart were always open if help was needed. All you had to do was ask. He will be greatly missed by all.

Celebration of Life ceremonies will be held in Oakland, CA, and in Minneapolis, MN, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please share your favorite Jim story, memory, or picture at https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/jim-kotsonas/4316

Charity Donations in Memory of Jim

• Sweet Relief Musicians Fund: provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. In other words, Healing Musicians in Need. We all have received so much out of music, it's time to give a little back!   

  https://www.sweetrelief.org/

• Trajectory-Ink People: is a career development program for visual, performing, and literary artists and fine artisans with disabilities. This non-profit was started by the person who introduced Lori and Jim.  

  https://www.inkpeople.org/dreammaker-data/snz9gkp9sk2rxghye4f4jmgg3exa72

• East Bay Innovations – arranges and provides personalized support that enables individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes, work in jobs of their choosing, and feel a sense of membership in their community. This is where Lori works. Thank you for being so supportive. 
  https://www.eastbayinnovations.org/
• Berkley Playhouse - Creates theater and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional main stage season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work. Jim loved attending plays here with Kailyn.   

  https://tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=donate&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=