Jim Kokoruda stands in his home garden in Lakeland.

Variety is the spice of life. South Georgia is home to a diverse group of people, each with a unique life story. One man with glorious tales of travel and selfless volunteer work is Jim Kokoruda.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, James “Jim” Everett Kokoruda is the middle segment of six children. His father was a barber owning his shop and his mother, a Yugoslavia native, spent her days working as a housewife. Kokoruda set his sights on dentistry, graduating from St. Louis University in 1968 and University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School in 1976.

While he enjoyed dentistry, he felt a pull to do something else with his life. He later became a real estate agent and began investing.

A particularly life-altering trip came when he traveled to Brazil in 1983 for fun and fell in love with the country. He and a couple of friends made the bold decision to move there.

Kokoruda called Sao Paula, Brazil home from 1992 to 2003. As Kokoruda explains, moving to another country gave him the opportunity to see our country in a new light.

“It makes you appreciate our country and makes you a much stronger person,” says Kokoruda.  

During those years, he spent his time teaching English and science. He introduced his students and friends to such traditions as Thanksgiving by cooking them Thanksgiving dinners. These years were also spent exploring South America including travel to Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay.

He began oil painting in 1998 and his current home is adorned with his works of art along with art from his family and friends. Utilizing his garage as a workspace, he has made numerous paintings, including a current masterpiece that has been in the works for 12 years. He started sketching Christmas decorations that he made a reality. These large works of art can be seen brightening his lawn during the holiday season.

It was also during these years that Kokoruda and friends managed to take a dream trip. From Dec. 28, 2000 to Jan. 30, 2001, after six months of planning, they began a journey around the world. During their brief 35 days, the group managed to go to nine different countries, a feat many of us can only dream of. Stops on their journey included Prague, Calcutta, Bangkok and Hong Kong just to name a few.

It was in 2003 that Kokoruda made his return to the states to be near some friends who had been injured in a car wreck. He found his home online while still living in Brazil. Built in 1906, the home was basically in shambles. However, through his creative efforts and help from his friends, he owns an immaculate and unique home in Lakeland.

After his move, his passion for teaching still burned so he taught physical science, chemistry and physics at Valdosta High School. His students know him as “Dr. K” to avoid having to attempt to pronounce his unique last name. Although he retired from teaching in 2010, he joined the AVID program at the school and tutors students in chemistry, physics, physical science and economics to help prepare them for college. His work as a tutor is strictly volunteer and stems from his general love of helping those in need.

“I strongly believe in volunteer work,” says Kokoruda. “I’ve been lucky with my life and I just see a need for helping others.”

Teaching isn’t the only help that Kokoruda provides. He’s helped numerous people with a variety of different projects through the years. He remodeled homes for two friends in need and did some construction projects for Lighthouse Grill in Lakeland, where he enjoys a meal every Wednesday.

While retirement is a time to rest for many, Kokoruda shows no signs of slowing his life. He can always be found doing something to make the world a more beautiful place, whether it’s through his garden, oil paintings or home remodeling. He still travels and has recently taken trips to Las Vegas, Australia, New Zealand and a cruise to the Caribbean.