John G. Cocoris

John Constantine (Gus) Cocoris M.D., a lifelong resident of Birmingham, died peacefully at home on November 13, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Helen; his daughters and sons-in-law Stacey Craig, Connie and Dr. Myron Chwe, and Joanna and Dr. David Hufham; his grandchildren John Andrew Hanju Chwe, Helen Hanlee Chwe, Mary Anastasia Hufham, James Nicholas Hufham, Constance LaRue Craig, Joseph William Craig, and Henry Marshall Hufham; his brother, Harry Cocoris; his niece, Elizabeth Cocoris, and nephew John Cocoris (Debbie and John Michael); and his brother-in-law Nicky Koikos. Dr. Cocoris was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Anastasia Cocoris; his brothers

Ernest and George Cocoris and sister-in-law Betty Cocoris; his son-in-law Hugh B. Craig; and his brother-in-law Jimmy Koikos. John Cocoris was born in Birmingham, Alabama on December 31, 1932, the second of Gus and Anastasia Cocoris’s four sons. He was a member of the Phillips High School Class of 1951 and received his undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Alabama in 1955. In 1959 he earned his M.D. from the Medical College of Alabama in Birmingham. He served his internship at University Hospital in Birmingham from 1959-60, then spent 1960-61 in Korea with the U.S. Army Medical Corps attached to the 3rd Medium Tank Battalion, 40th Armor, 1st Cavalry Division. In 1961-62, Dr. Cocoris served as a medical officer at the helicopter training base in Fort Rucker, Alabama, then finished his pediatrics residency at University Hospital and Hillman Clinic in Birmingham. In 1964, he and his partner opened the Huffman Pediatric Clinic, treating infants, children, and adolescents there while also serving on the medical staff of University, Children’s, St.Vincent’s, Baptist Montclair, and Medical Center East hospitals. After retiring from private practice in 1995, Dr. Cocoris worked for the Social Security Administration as a medical consultant for pediatric disability. He was a diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Medical Association of Alabama and the Jefferson County Medical Association. John was baptized at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (later Cathedral), served in the altar there as a boy, and remained a lifelong member. From the age of sixteen, he sang baritone in the cathedral choir, expressing his love for its traditional liturgical music. John also spent several happy years as a member of the Birmingham Symphony Concert Chorale in the 1990s. One of his favorite pastimes was listening to classical music, especially the operas of Mozart and Puccini, while reading in his study at home. He loved swimming, cooking, laughing, and having family and friends in his home. John particularly loved the Fourth of July holiday, which combined all of the above activities with expressing gratitude to America, the greatest country in the world, which had welcomed his hard-working parents at the turn of the 20th century. John was greatly loved as a pediatrician, as a husband, as a father, as a friend, and most gratifyingly as a Papou to his seven grandchildren. His resonant and easy laugh, fondness for corny jokes, endless fund of wisdom and advice, and unquestioning love and support for his family will remain with them forever. His family is grateful for their many years of his warm

and steady presence. May his memory be eternal! The family of John Cocoris extends thanks to his loving team of excellent caregivers: Janice Stephens, Rosalind Bray, Mary Stallworth, Angela Huff, Sandra Esezobar, and Kim Weaver; and Home RN and Affinity Hospice. Visitation will be held at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Thursday, November 17th at 9:30. Funeral liturgy at 11:00 with graveside following at Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Cathedral at 307 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Cocoris family.