Obituary of James Coleman

James (Jim) Erskin Coleman, Jr., 84, of Raleigh, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Sunday June 6, 2010 after a long and exuberant life and battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was a devoted Christian, Husband, Stepfather, Brother and Son with a big heart. He was born in West Virginia, grew-up in Durham, NC and was a longtime resident of Raleigh, NC. He loved his country and served it well in the Navy in WWII and later in the Army National Guard and Army National Guard Reserves. He was a 32-year loyal employee of Westinghouse at their meter plant here in Raleigh, followed by work at his passion of Auto Sales at various Car dealerships, lastly Sir Walter Chevrolet.

Jim continued to serve as he volunteered considerable time with the Boy Scouts of America to the achievement of receiving the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service from the Occoneechee Council. He was a Member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Raleigh where he served as a Deacon. Also, he was recognized with the Veteran's Emblem for his 50+ years as a Master Mason with the Hiram Lodge No. 40, Raleigh of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina. Having attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Jim was also known for his devotion as a fan of the Tar Heels.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Coleman, Sr. and Esther Jellicorse Coleman, previous wife, Patsy Heflin Coleman, brother, Bernard B. Coleman and stepson, Patrick E. Johnson. He is survived by his spouse, Faye Oliver Coleman whom he loved deeply, stepsons; Johnny M. Johnson, Steven R. Johnson and wife Terrye M. Johnson, of Raleigh, David L. Johnson and wife Carolyn W. Johnson of Fresno, CA, Scot O. Johnson of Myrtle Beach, S.C., sisters; Fran C. Blackburn of Newton, NJ and family, Hazel C. Roeder and husband John Roeder of Palmyra, Va. and family, grandchildren; Pace, Seth, Annie, Matthew and Noah.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday June 11, 2010 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, at 8304 Leesville Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613. The Memorial Service will be held immediately following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. The family request in lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org), and/or The Children's Ministry at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com under obituaries.