James W. Coleman

Jim was born on January 16, 1923, in Good Pine, Louisiana — a sawmill town built by the Tall Timber Company that no longer exists today.

Growing up, Jim’s family used a wood-burning stove to cook and heat their home, at a time when air conditioning, electric heating, and even household fans had yet to become commonplace. Living in a “company town” had some advantages. His family had electricity and running water, although there was no indoor plumbing. The electricity they had powered one single light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Jim was 12 years old when his family received their first radio, a remarkable addition to their home and a treasured memory from his childhood.

In 1940, Jim graduated from Trout Good Pine High School and began working at the Post Exchange at Camp Claiborne, just north of present-day Forest Hill, Louisiana.

In January 1943, he entered the United States Army Air Corps, which would later evolve into the Department of the Air Force in 1947. His initial training was held at what was then called the Keesler Army Airfield, in Biloxi, Mississippi. After only 16 days, he was transferred to Colorado College of Education, which had been taken over by the Air Corps to train engineering and operations clerks. It was there that the Army discovered Jim could type an astonishing 80–90 words per minute on a manual typewriter. Men who could type were in high demand during that time.

He was assigned to the XIII Bomber Command in Guadalcanal from August 1943 until November 1945, when World War II ended. During his time there, he worked in the Adjutant General’s Office, preparing the daily morning report, bulletins, and innumerable correspondences for Headquarters.

After the war, he returned home to marry the love of his life, Georgia, in June of 1946. He started a family while working as a civilian for the Army at Camp Polk until the post closed. His search for work eventually led him to Victoria, Texas where he began his 31-year career with Union Carbide, beginning in October 1954. Later, in the 1960’s he was transferred to the St. Charles Parish, Louisiana facility where he worked until his retirement on January 1, 1985.

While Jim accomplished much during his long life, his greatest legacy was not found in his career. It was found in his faith, his family, and the way he loved people.

Jim was a man of tremendous and unwavering faith. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Luling for more than 30 years. His greatest roles were that of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was a role model of faithfulness and devotion — a man whose genuine love, kindness, and support could be felt by everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His hobbies included golf, hunting, fishing, walking, playing cards, and following LSU sports and the New Orleans Saints. At age 91, he even went alligator hunting with his great-grandson—and loved it!

Jim’s mornings were often spent sending more than 30 daily devotional texts to family and friends. If you mentioned that you would like to receive one, even if he had just met you, your phone number was added to his list. Sharing God’s Word and encouraging others was simply part of who he was.

Jim was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. Anytime you walked through his door, he would greet you with his familiar words:

“Now you just get on in here!”

With his arms stretched wide, he would give you the best hugs ever! Those hugs, those words, those texts, and that unconditional love are the things his family will carry forever.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Georgia Coleman, whom he absolutely adored; his daughter, Judy Priddy; his son, Robert “Bob” Coleman; his grandson, Jimmy Coleman; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Coleman; and his sisters, Oneta Clary and Faye Jones.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy McWhorter; son-in-law, David A. Priddy; daughter-in-law, Debbie Coleman; grandson, David W. Priddy; granddaughters, Michelle Rivere (Hansel); Jennifer Gamboa (Hector); and Jessica Coleman; granddaughter-in-law, Diane Coleman; nine great-grandchildren, Justin Rivere (Courtney); Garrett Rivere (Kayla); Ashley Rothrock (Kevin); David James Priddy; Hailey Gamboa; Max Gamboa; Bobby Coleman; Taylor Coleman; and Avery Rifkin; and four great-great-grandchildren, Jessie Rivere, Lanna Rivere, Antoine Rivere, and Cooper Rothrock.

Jim leaves behind more than a lifetime of joyful memories. He leaves behind an example — a legacy of faith, devotion, kindness, family, perseverance, and unconditional love — for all of us to follow.

We will miss him more than words can express, but we find comfort in knowing that he is in glory, reunited with the loved ones who went before him, and perfectly restored in the arms of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

We feel so incredibly blessed to have had him on this Earth for 103 years.

His life was a gift.

His love was a blessing.

His faith was his legacy.

And his memory will live in our hearts forever.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the ACG Hospice staff out of Houma, Louisiana; especially, Brooke, Brittany, Bailey, Callie, Danell, Orrie, and Deacon Jimmy for their compassionate care!

Family and friends will be received at First Baptist Church of Luling, 921 Paul Maillard Road, Luling, Louisiana 70070, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 11:00 am until Military Funeral Honors and Service begins at 12:00 pm.