Jimmy Carson Coleman

Jan 15, 1941 -

Dec 15, 2022

Jim grew up in Maryland as a dairy farmer's son, getting his work ethic from the early age of 8. He left the farm as a young man and traveled several states working in the construction industry.

Some of Jim's fondest memories were the time he spent in Denver, Colo., where he played rugby and hunted with the many friends he made there. He had many stories to tell of events that took place during that time.

In 1978, he moved to Alaska with his two young children and wife Patsy Diane Medlin (deceased). The skills he acquired led him to start his own construction company.

Jim married Annette 38 years ago and cultivated a successful business together, Annette's Trucking, while loving and caring for each other and living life to its fullest, traveling and expanding their lifestyle on the Kenai River and Bonita Springs, Fla.

He was a good-looking, hardworking, fun and loving man. His children contribute their success to his mentoring and drive with vast memories of his love, generosity and teaching them how to excel at sports, business, life and most everything. Jim's son, grandchildren and nephews, as well as several other young men he gave a chance, learned firsthand about his work ethic through their employment with the company over the years, leading them to successful futures.

Jim enriched the lives of his wife, children and grandchildren with love, unconceivable strong work ethics, kindness, achievements, support and memories. Jim's family and long friends will cherish the memories of his passion for working, traveling, fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, golfing, having fun and preserving the many fond moments together. Anyone who knew Jim knew he was the most loving husband and father a family could ask for, with a drive for success and merriment. He shared this love, accomplishments and happiness with his community of friends, professionals and acquaintances. Outside work, being social was a special gift that Jim bestowed; those around him were drawn to his infectious and ebullient personality and generosity.

He truly brought life to the party. Everyone Jim knew greatly cherished his impact on their lives through love, friendship, mentorship, work or fun times. He was beloved by everyone who ever met him, a great husband, a fantastic father and a best friend to all walks of life.

Whatever he set his mind to, he was determined to get done. Jim touched the lives of so many people throughout his lifetime and was able to accomplish and enjoy so much before passing.

Jim and Annette built a beautiful retirement home to enjoy together in Anchorage, Alaska, with many more travel adventures planned. Unfortunately, Jim beat most medical challenges over his life span, but without warning, the most recent encounter, intracranial hemorrhage, took him to be with his deceased family and friends.

Jim is genuinely missed by all those he left behind with broken hearts by this unexpected loss; he was one-of-a-kind, and his memories of adventure, bravery, determination, strength, smarts and love will be cherished forever. Longtime childhood friend, Mark Shindle, says Jim is principled, and it's unbelievable that he's not here while he reminisces about their long life together. Many people feel the same.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Annette Coleman; son, James Coleman (Stephanie); daughter, Kimberly Gray (Timothy); grandchildren, James Coleman, Cailin Coleman, Christopher Gray, Chelsea Spaulding (Drew); and great-grandson, Drew Spaulding. He joins those preceded in death by his loving, two grandchildren, Tyler and Kyle Gray; many other family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2901 Huffman Road in Anchorage, on Jan. 4, 2022, with a viewing at 12:30 p.m. and a service at 1:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Jan. 4, 2022, at Lakefront Anchorage Hotel, 4800 Spenard Road in Anchorage, Third Floor, from 4:30-8 p.m.

Once final arrangements can be confirmed, a Graveside service and Celebration of Life will follow in Lancaster, N.Y.

A celebration of life will follow in Bonita Springs, at a date to be determined.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Elizabeth's church or a charity of your choice.