James L. Coffey's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - James L. Coffey, age 77 of Charleston and formerly of Ashmore, IL, was called to his Heavenly Home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. Visitation for family and friends will be held this evening, Friday, April 24, 2015 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the funeral chapel with Pastors Ray Finney, Rick Emrich and David Colvin officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashmore Cemetery in Ashmore, IL. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Ashmore Baptist Church. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. James was born on November 30, 1937 in Edgar County, IL, a son of the late Arthur and Hazel (Waters) Coffey. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanie L. Blackshire, on June 28, 1959 in Ashmore, IL. She preceded him in death on August 9, 2008 and their 49 year marriage was a tribute to their love, devotion and friendship. Jim is survived by a daughter, Julie Coe and husband Jason of Ashmore and a son, Tim Coffey and wife Terina of Ashmore; 6 grandchildren, Hannah Coffey, Kaitlyn Coffey, Grace Coffey, Garin Johnson, Lyndee Johnson and Brody Coe; 4 brothers, Donald (Donna) Coffey, Bill (Madonna) Coffey, Bert Coffey and Max (Kim) Coffey; a sister-in-law, Wanda Coffey; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Jim was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Coffey; two sisters, Margaret (Don) Biggs and Ann (Ed) McClure; and a sister-in-law, Linda Coffey. Jim was a 1955 graduate of Kansas High School where he played baseball and basketball for the Kansas Bulldogs. He was also an active participant in the Edgar County FFA and 4-H Programs. Following high school, Jim served his country with the United States Army. He was quite the entrepreneur and as an auctioneer, farmer, owner of a Marathon gas station and a home inspection business, manager of a feed and fertilizer store, insurance sales rep, and a longtime realtor, Jim's work ethic, along with his moral character and values, contributed to his success. Jim began his real estate career in 1970 and shortly thereafter, partnered with Albert Anderson. Since the 1970's Jim has owned and operated Coffey Real Estate and often spoke of the time he sold a house out of the trunk of his car before he had his own office. Jim served his fellow residents as a member of the Ashmore Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and was a member of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce. Jim's faith in God was affirmed by the manner in which he lived his life. He considered Ashmore Baptist Church to be his church home and served as a Church Deacon, but throughout his life Jim witnessed to others through his participation in various church sponsored activities and programs. Jim enjoyed a good college basketball game, considered the Chicago Bulls to be his favorite team and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. his favorite NASCAR driver. He was known to delight in pulling a good prank and enjoyed creating joy and laughter to uplift one's spirit and brighten their day. Jim was blessed with many special deep and abiding friendships and was a true role model, not only for his children and grandchildren but for many, through his daily Christian walk and love for the Lord, his genuine and honest spirit and his integrity. He exemplified the characteristics of a true gentleman. He dearly loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and was always there for support and encouragement. What a myriad of tender and affectionate memories he leaves for them to reflect on and to share. Jim remained humble in spirit and always remembered to give God the glory in all things. Through his unwavering faith and love for his Lord and Savior, Jim has received the blessing of eternal life through God's amazing grace and has heard those welcoming words: "Well done thou good and faithful servant" .Click to view Jim's memorial video.
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