James "Jim" Coffee

COFFEE, James "Jim" Age 70, transcended peacefully into the loving arms of God on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, surrounded by his caring family at Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN surrounded by his children and his brother, John, his daughter-in-law, Karen, and granddaughter, Shannon. Preceded in death parents, Frankie and Tressie Coffee, and infant brother, Paul. Survived by his sons, Chris (Karen), Wes (Ginny), daughter Jocelyn Forehand, grandchildren Allison, Nathan and Shannon, Madison, Megan, Lileigh and AJ. Siblings Ann Ruppert (Pete), Lora Morgan (Cecil), Debbie Elzholz (Bill), Patti Bouslog and John Coffee. Jim was born in Dayton Ohio on December 19, 1942. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Jefferson Township, then graduating from Jefferson HS, in 1961. There he played on the Jefferson Broncos Varsity basketball team where at 6'8" he commanded the floor! He had an absolute love of the game back then and although it was years ago, many of his classmates still remember his presence. After graduating and looking for a job, he began working for General Motors in which he retired after 30 years. He gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized. He was active in the Sons of God Motorcycle Ministry. As his faith grew, he would declare with conviction his love for the Lord. He would share the Gospel with anyone at anytime, anywhere. In addition to the love of his children, grandkids and family, he had a passion for animals, especially dogs and birds. Wherever Jim went in his truck you could bet his faithful dogs were by his side. If anyone ever visited his home they would be greeted at the door either by a squawk of a bird, a bark of a dog, an affectionate purr of a cat or sometimes all three…at once! Jim's talents were many. He could draw, paint, etch, cook, fish, garden, ride Harleys, play a mean game of Scrabble, and loved doing crossword puzzles. But his true love, the incredible talent that he expressed most in great detail was apparent in his wood carving. He once said that he would take a raw piece of wood and could actually visualize the end result of the figurine. After he carved the life-like figurine, he would give the carving away so others could enjoy its beauty. He will be remembered with respect by many not only for his generosity, but for his easy-going manner and his tender heart. Jim loved to talk to people. He could converse with anyone about world events, local happenings or just be a shoulder to lean on. He was extremely compassionate to the beautiful residents he met at Heartland of Eaton. Their pain was his pain. Their happiness was his happiness. One thing for sure, after talking with Jim, they felt they had a friend for life. Our family would like to extend a special thanks to the residents and staff at Heartland of Eaton, Reid Hospital and the countless numbers of friends and family, for without your support, prayers and dedication, Jim's life journey wouldn't have been as rich. Services will be held at Rogers Funeral Home, New Lebanon OH. Monday, March 11, 2013 visitation from 11-1 PM, services starting at 1PM with Pastor Harold Ady officiating. Interment will follow at Trissel Cemetery New Lebanon, OH. www.rogersfuneralhomes.com