“Jack” or “Coach” was born on September 26, 1946, in East Chicago, Illinois to parents Peter and Margaret (Dziak) Kokinda. Jack was a 3-sport athlete at Hammond High School in the 60’s. He continued his athletics as a 2-sport athlete (Baseball and Football) while earning a B.S. in History and Physical Education From Bulter University. Jack later attended Arkansas State earning a Masters Degree in Physical Education.
Most will remember Jack for his time at Cardinal Newman High School where he served as a teacher, administrator and coach for over 40 years. He was a longtime assistant football coach but is most remembered for being the face of the Cardinal Newman Baseball Program as the Head Coach from 1970 - 2011. During that period, he amassed over 700 wins and was the Conference Coach of the Year (1970, 1971, 1980) and the Palm Beach County Coach of the Year (1984,1985,1990,1991.) He was elected to the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Florida Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame. Throughout all his success on the field Jack remained humble, always making sure to let people know that he was blessed to have such great players. During his time as Coach, he carried a rake with him almost as much as he carried a fungo bat. It’s not hard to remember Jack lining baselines and batters’ boxes before a game or raking the pitcher’s mound after one. Many will remember the sight of him getting his infield ready for a game by dragging it in his 1974 Chevy Nova complete with the drag wedged in the open trunk with the help of the tire iron. Maybe it’s the image of a tall lanky figure roaming the 3rd base coaches box during the game or even the time he accidentally lit the ballfield on fire that you’ll remember most. To call Coach Kokinda a baseball lifer would be an understatement. He was devoted to his former players and was always interested in hearing about their lives and career paths. Even after his retirement, he would often be seen at his grandkids games or just talking about baseball with anyone that would listen. His legacy will not be so much as his on the field accomplishments but the lives and hearts of his players, fellow coaches, fans, students, and legion of admirers that he touched.
He is survived by his wife Diane of 51 years, 2 sons Chris (Kerri) and Steve (Jill), 5 grandchildren (Cameron, Trent, Jackson, Caden and Kellan) brother and sister in laws, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister in law and nephew.
A private ceremony will take place for family on Saturday, March 18. A celebration of life will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Coach Kokinda to the Cardinal Newman Baseball Program
Attn: Mary Martens, 512 Spencer Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33409.
