My 96 Jimmy 1500 xt struggles to start on the first turn of the key. Then starts perfectly every other turn afterwards. Mechanic thinks it might be the coil. I think fuel is ok. Must be spark issue?

Have you replaced your fuel filter lately? If not try it. My friends Chevy will do that same thing and then we change the fuel filter and it's good to go. Also try turning you key on for a few seconds before trying to start it and see if you can hear the fuel pump running. You should hear it run for a few seconds and if not you may have a fuel pump relay or pump acting up. You could also do a fuel pressure test with a pressure gauge when it is cold also.