Jimmy Koikos

Jimmy Koikos passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Katerina Koikos, Uncle Peter Koikos and wife Thalia, Uncle Bill Koikos and wife Tasia, nephew Peter Trevor Koikos, sister-in-law Demetra Koikos and niece Katerina Koikos. He was born in Peleta, Peloponnese, Greece on September 17, 1932 to Nicholas and Katerina Koikos. After his mother was tragically killed during the Greek Civil war, he came over to the United States and lived in Bessemer, Alabama. While there, he lived with his Uncle Pete and Aunt Thalia and worked at the family's restaurant, The Bright Star. He briefly attended the University of Alabama and was a die-hard fan. He loved visiting with Paul "Bear" Bryant and talking football. He became an avid Florida State University fan soon after moving to Tallahassee and was a Golden Chief for several years as well as a fan of the Bowden family. He was drafted in the US Army in 1953 and served during the Korean War.
In 1955, he returned to Bessemer and worked at The Bright Star until opening his first restaurant, the Old Hickory Barbeque with his friend Ted Sarris. He then met the love of his life, Anastasia "Anne" Patronis in 1958 at his cousin's wedding. On August 23, 1959 they were married and resided in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1961, they moved permanently to Tallahassee. He was the owner of several restaurants, the A&J Grill, Jimmy's Restaurant, the Spartan, Brothers Three and Brothers Three by the Sea. He was one of the original founders of Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek Food Festival. He also worked several years at the Tallahassee International Airport for Jerry's Caterers and the City of Tallahassee. He also helped manage the Torreya Grill for his brother, George Koikos until 2012. After retirement he enjoyed meeting his coffee buddies at Bruegger's Bagels, Bagel Market and Chick-fil-a.
He is survived by his loving wife Anne, daughters Catherine Branch (Harold), Sara Hill (Jim), five beautiful grandchildren, Jimmy Branch, Lukas Hill, Cassidy Branch, Nicholas Hill and Matthew Hill, sister Eleni Hotzopoulos, nephew Costa Hotzopoulos (Froso), brother George Koikos (Karen), nieces Katerina Maroney (Frank), Eleni Spears (Cecil), Nikoleta Koikos, brother Tasos Koikos, niece Maria Koikos, brother Peter Koikos (Zografia), nephew Nicholas Koikos, brother in law Johnnie Patronis (Mari), niece Victoria Cuddy (Ryan) sister in law Evangelia Johnson, niece Alysia Gardner (Travis), niece Desire White (Charlie),"brother" Richard Allen, God daughter Katie Patronis (Jimmy) God son Johnny Patronis and many more loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thanks to the wonderful care and compassion provided by his doctors - Dr. Giove, Dr. Katopodis, Dr. Amy Neal, Dr. Sharp, Dr. Camps, and Dr. Bavikati. Also, a huge thank you to the TMH Home Healthcare and the wonderful staff at Big Bend Hospice.
The family will be receiving guests for a visitation and viewing on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 4:00 - 6:00 at Bevis Funeral Home with a Trisagion to begin at 5:30. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery followed by a Makaria Luncheon at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church: 1645 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 3230 or to Big Bend Hospice: 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
Rocky Bevis of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.