Gonatos, James (Jimmy), 77, of Clearwater, passed away at home surrounded by his three children, Sunday, September 5. He was born on August 7, 1944, the son of Nick and Olympia Gonatos. He was raised on Clearwater Beach and attended Clearwater High School where he was named a football All-American. He later attended Florida State University where he earned a degree in physical education. Known as “Coach G” by his students, he taught 35 years in Pinellas County Schools. He was an ardent fan of the Florida State Seminoles and referred to Bobby Bowden as his all-time hero. There are no words to accurately express the love he had for his children and grandchildren. He loved going to Tallahassee to visit his older son, Nick, and visiting with his two granddaughters, Brooke and Nicole. He also loved going his daughter’s house where he enjoyed fun times with Mary Anne, son-in-law, Justin, and his two grandsons, Justin and Parker. He always looked forward to Mary Anne preparing his favorite meals! On the weekends, you could find Papou on his boat with his younger son, Jay and wife, Jenny, as well as his two grandkids Gavin and Gabriella, who adored him. All of his children and grandchildren will miss his affection, kindness, and humor. Although he is no longer with his beloved family, his legacy of love will live on forever in their hearts!
He was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Olympia Gonatos, and his older brother, Michael. He is survived by his two sons Nicholas and James Gonatos (Jenny), daughter Mary Anne Poppa (Justin), six grandchildren, sisters Magdaline Milo and Maria Fellios, and his long-time companion, Cindy Olive.
“A father’s love is forever imprinted on his child’s heart. We love you, Dad!”
Visitation at Dobies Funeral Home, 701 E. Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Friday, September 10, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Clearwater, Saturday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 409 S. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater, FL 33765.
Anthony Tsiouklas
September 8, 2021, 12:04 am
Mary Anne and family,
I’m very saddened by this. I have very fond memories of Coach Gonatos from my middle school years at Dunedin Middle. I can hear him in my head reciting “muscles and bones” each week in class and giving away ice cream sandwiches to those that memorized them and recited them back to him. There’s not too many teachers that had his type of passion for teaching while also trying to groom us into the adults we are today. His memories are indeed eternal. Praying for him and the family.
Tina Love
September 8, 2021, 12:30 am
Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family!
Judy Neland
September 8, 2021, 2:00 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. He was a wonderful, caring and loving person. He was my first love from high school and I remember such wonderful memories. His family was his life. He felt your love.
Barbara Reder
September 8, 2021, 8:33 pm
So sorry to hear of the passing of Coach G. He touched many students lives as he taught at McMullen Booth Elementary School with me.
Sending prayers to your family.
Judy & Nikki Eisenhart
September 9, 2021, 2:43 am
Mom and I are so sorry to hear about your father. We have wonderful memories of your family and are lifting you all in prayer. May the promise of Easter lighten your hearts and may his memory be eternal.
Judy & Nikki Eisenhart
Brenda Fann
September 9, 2021, 5:20 pm
May his family remember all the happy times.
Thoughts and prayers are being sent to entire family.🙏🙏
Donna Unger
September 9, 2021, 6:14 pm
He was a wonderful inspiration to the children at Mcmullen Booth Elementary! I always enjoyed working with Coach G. He will be missed by all!
May his memory be a blessing!
Brenda Fann
September 9, 2021, 7:40 pm
Sending thoughts and prayers to his family. May all of you feel blessed and happy, remembering the happy gatherings.
Brad & Andrea Jackson
September 10, 2021, 4:57 pm
Mary Anne & Family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences for your loss. Coach Gonatos was such a memorable friend, teacher and coach. We also, have such lasting memories of Coach Gonatos as a teacher and leader from Dunedin Middle School. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bill & Patti Barber
September 10, 2021, 8:24 pm
A great guy that will truly be missed. Loved his family and sports and was always fun to be with. The Seminoles have lost a great fan.
Jim Barber
September 10, 2021, 9:07 pm
Jim & Magge Barber
It was rare to see Jim without a smile on his face. Truly a good Guy and Friend. We all
will miss him.
Jim & Magge Barber
September 10, 2021, 10:36 pm
Jim was a great guy and long time friend of ours. He was an outstanding athlete growing up
and a loyal FSU Football Fan. He will be missed by the FSU contingent. We wish the best for
his extended Family .
Kimble Frazer
September 11, 2021, 1:18 pm
My favorite basketball coach, and father to one of the men I respect the most. Coach Gonatos impacted my life as a little league baseball coach & middle school basketball coach. He was fair, intense, and inspiring. I loved playing for him, and I spent many hours of my teen years at his house & on his boat, enjoying my youth with his son Nick. A good man, a good coach, a good father, and a good guy. I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn from him.