Atlanta — James Henry Coleman, 99, of Atlanta, passed away on December 9, 2024, with family at his side. There will be a private family burial, and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the summer.
James was born July 13, 1925, near Wing, IL. He was the son of Edmon and Myrtle Lear Coleman.
He married Marjorie Ann Rogers on December 27, 1953, in Atlanta. They were the parents of five children: James Gregory Coleman (Paula) Pasadena, CA; Julia Ann Fosdick (Larry), Pontiac, IL; Ronald Coleman (Jacque), Lafayette, CO; Laura Coleman, Atlanta, IL; and John Coleman (Emily), Santaquin, UT. There are two grandchildren, Sarah and Clayton Coleman, and six step-grandchildren, Austin, Jeremy, Craig, Jared, Cody, and Wyatt.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie Ann and his only brother, Keith.
James was the Salutatorian of his Forrest-Strawn-Wing High School Class of 1943. He played football for the Eskimos.
He was a life-long farmer. His family farmed with horses until he was about sixteen, when they bought their first tractor, a John Deere B. His son, John, is now the owner of that tractor. James saw tremendous changes in technology throughout his farming career. He farmed until 1996.
After two years of active duty with the US Army, James returned to the farm, though he remained in the reserves for five years. As a sideline to farming, he took correspondence courses in television repair and had a small business. He was also good at fixing anything from appliances to power tools, to lawnmowers and vehicles. His daughters grew up thinking all men could fix anything.
James and his wife, Marjorie Ann, worked together with others in the community to get the Hawes Elevator designated as a National Historic Site, and to restore it. He loved giving tours and talking with the visitors.
In his later years, though his body began to fail, his mind stayed sharp. He was so fortunate to be able to stay in his own home, with Laura to care for him. He wanted to be involved in home maintenance projects, and several friends “helped” him with those, as did his sons when they came for visits.
We are grateful for the support of friends and neighbors in his last years. He will be greatly missed.
Memorials may be made to the J.H. Hawes Elevator.
Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
One Response
Our family is very sorry on the passing of your father. It sounds like John is a lot like him. We are grateful to have John in our family with his kind ways and many skills learned from a wonderful father, mother and family.
May God bless each of you with comfort and peace as you honor your Dad.
The Costanzo Family.