James 0. Coleman, "Jim" 73 entered into rest at his home in Chattaroy, WA. on Wednesday, September 14 ^th . He was born in San Francisco, CA. in 1949. The oldest of four children to Okey Coleman and Dorothy Gustafson. Jim grew up in Connecticut and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in May of 1968. During his courageous tour in Vietnam, he was awarded with The Bronze Star Medal with Combat V for heroic action, the Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service Medals, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and the Combat Action Ribbon.

After returning home to his childhood love Linda, they wed on July 7 ^th , 1972. He then dedicated his life to cabinetmaking and raising his children. Everyone who knew him knew that if you needed to find him just listen for the blaring sound of the Bee Gees and a table saw or hammer and that's where you'd find him, creating a beautiful masterpiece from a random block of wood while whistling, quite perfectly every single note, to "dig that crazy beat" as he would say. You didn't dare sneak up and surprise him with your presence unknown for quite possibly you would find yourself on the floor wondering what happened. He may have gotten older but the stubborn and strong Marine in him lived on until the very end. If you were lucky enough to receive a masterpiece of his I hope you cherish it as much as he cherished building it for you. I assure you he put all of his love and devotion into every grain of wood he worked with.

Jim moved with his four children to Idaho in 1990 so that he could raise them in the country and small-town lifestyle. He made sure his children grew up with the smell of fresh wood shavings while learning to help in the wood shop, the sound of pots and pans banging at the door if you thought about sleeping in, a love for nature and gardening, and every darn stray animal that he could save. But most importantly Love. There was never a lack of "I love you's" in his home. We will cherish the memories. James is preceded in death by his wife Linda Coleman, brother Robert Coleman and sister Patsy Clifford. His spirit will live on through his four children June Cox, James Coleman, Jennifer Hansen, Jolene Coleman, his sister Sue Mandel, multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Sherman Campbell funeral home in Priest River, Idaho on Friday, September 23 ^rd at 1:00. Graveside Military burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com .