James Raymond Coleman

James Raymond Coleman, also known as “Jimmy”, after 82 years of devoted worship, faith, and trust in the Lord Jesus, finally met Him face-to-face on Oct. 7, 2024.

Jimmy was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on Mar. 8, 1942, to the late Elmer and Edna Coleman. He was a graduate of Hyles-Anderson College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pastoral Theology. He went on to start a church in Charleston, West Virginia, known as Kanawha Baptist Temple, where on the first anniversary, there were 11,234 people in attendance. Jimmy later went to pastor McKenzie Baptist Church in McKenzie, Alabama, The Caring Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Bethlehem Baptist Church in Hustle, Virginia.

Jimmy was a Godly man who consistently lived his faith for his Lord every day. He was employed as a welder by the Chrysler Corporation in Sterling, Michigan, from 1991 until he retired in 2006. While employed there, he was known to all as “Preacher” due to his faith in God and living for Him daily. He also enjoyed spending his extra time breeding beagles and hunting rabbits.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda Mae Coleman; his son, “Baby Boy Coleman”; his mother, Edna Mae Fischer; and his father, Elmer Hughie Coleman Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Coleman Simmons and Elizabeth Rachel Coleman; his brother, Kenneth Coleman (Barb); his sister, Gaye Coleman Farms (Bob); his grandchildren, Morgan Elizabeth Simmons, Hope James Cogo, Coleman Garnett Simmons, and Aiden Rambo; and his great-granddaughter, Aspyn Garnett Simmons.

The family would like to give special thanks to Charity White, along with At-Home Hospice (especially Madelyn), as well as his other caregivers for the love and care they gave him in his later stages of life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov 16, 2024, 1 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church, 5061 Hopewell Road, New Kent, Virginia, 23124. Following the service, a reception will be held at 2000 Quaker Road, Quinton, Virginia, 23141.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.