Dr. James "Jim" A. Coleman, Jr. was born on March 18, 1931 in Sylacauga, AL. Jim spent his early childhood in Chicago, ILL, while his father was attending Moody Bible Institute, then later moved with his family to Denver, CO, when his father became pastor of Emmanuel Baptist. When Jim was 13 years old, his father and he were in a tragic automobile accident where his father was killed. The Coleman family then returned to Alabama.
After high school graduation, he attended church camp at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center and met the love of his life, Melrose Bibles, whom he later married. He and Melrose had two daughters of whom they were extremely proud, Dr. RoseAnne Coleman (Franklin, TN) who has been a bible teacher at conferences around the world for 32 years and Sherry Coleman (Huntsville, AL) who retired from education in Alabama after 32 years and is now in her second year as a counselor at Huntland School in Huntland, TN.
After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy where he attended two naval schools and served on two ships during the Korean War, Jim felt called by God to become a minister. He attended Howard College in Birmingham, AL (which later became Samford University) and was in the first graduating class at Samford's new campus in Homewood. Later, he attended and graduated from New Orleans Theological Seminary and enjoyed a long career serving God. His dynamic teaching of the Word led many people to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Dr. Coleman served as a member of the Alabama Baptist State Executive Board, as well as pastoring at Cropwell Baptist Church (Cropwell, AL), Pelham First Baptist (Pelham, AL), Ashville First Baptist (Ashville, AL), James Memorial Baptist Church (Gadsden, AL), Central Baptist Church (Pensacola, FL) and Creighton Heights Baptist (Pensacola, FL).
Jim furthered his education by earning his Masters Degree in Counseling from Troy State University and his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Florida State University. After 25 years in full-time ministry, Jim became bi-vocational and began working at the Pensacola Naval Air Station as the Director of the Employee Assistance Program for the 9,000 civilians on the base while pastoring part-time at Creighton Heights. Upon the death of his beloved wife, Melrose after 46 years of marriage, Jim retired from NAS and soon retired from the ministry.
Later in life, Jim married Katie Minton and attended First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school, sang in the Senior Choir and often brought messages of love and hope through Jesus Christ to various retirement centers in the Pensacola area.
Though we are deeply saddened by his absence from us here, we are firm in our belief that he is now face to face with Jesus Christ and has reunited with Melrose and a host of friends and family, along with the many who have passed that he personally led to Christ. We know that we will see him again when we take our personal journey into eternity. Our hearts are made lighter by the knowledge that Jim is now healed, happy and at peace in heaven.
Jim loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. Some of his favorite hymns were "It Will Be Worth It All When We See Jesus" and "Beyond The Sunset." He now can personally attest that each word of those songs is true and those that truly knew him can imagine Jim leading praises to our God by singing his absolute favorite hymn, "How Great Thou Art."
He is survived by his wife, Katie Minton (Pensacola); his two daughters, Dr. RoseAnne Coleman and Sherry Coleman.
Per his wishes, his ashes will be buried in a graveside service in Huntsville, AL at Maple Hill Cemetery in a private ceremony at a later date. A reception will be held 10-11:00am Monday, June 12, 2017 at the ROC at First Baptist Church, Pensacola.
The family would like to thank the dedicated health care workers at Sacred Heart, The Haven, The Life Care Center of Pensacola, FL and Covenant Hospice, especially his home hospice nurse, Marti Wells. His daughters would like to extend heartfelt love and thanks to Yvonne Dixon for her excellent, tender care of Jim. She made sure his last months at the rehab center, his home and the hospital were filled with smiles and talks of Jesus, while providing excellent, skilled care.
Jim proudly supported the ministry of his daughter and requested in lieu of flowers, people send donations to: RoseAnne Coleman Ministries, 6640 Bethesda Arno Rd., Thompsons Station, TN 37179.