James H. Coleman, Jr.

On December 20, 2006 James Hurd Coleman, Jr (Bud) departed this life surrounded by his family. Bud was born September 3, 1918 to James H. Coleman, Sr. and Anne Cochran Coleman. He graduated from Everett High School in 1936 where he was voted Best All Around Student. He was drafted into the U.S. Army Air corps and was on Iwo Jima and Saipan in 1945 with a Thunderbolt squadron. After returning from the military, he went into business with his father as J.H. Coleman and Son, General Contractor. Bud and his father built many of the homes, churches and commercial buildings in Blount County and surrounding counties. These include the Fort Craig Elementary School, the Maryville Church of Christ at the original Broadway location as well as the Sevierville Church of Christ, and the J.C. Penney building which now houses Sullivan's Restaurant. In 1952 Bud and his father bought Anderson Lumber Company which is still successfully operated in Blount County as a fourth generation business. Although Bud officially retired in 1990, he continued to come to work every day until only recently to spend the day with his customers and employees and work on building plans. Bud married his high school sweetheart on January 15, 1942 and he and Lois celebrated their 64th anniversary this year. Both have been members of the Maryville Church of Christ for many years and Bud served as a Deacon from 1944 until 1963 at which time he was appointed an Elder and served as an elder until he retired from the position in 2001. In 1997 he received The Christian Servants Award for his giving spirit and benevolent heart from the Knoxville Christian School. He stated at that time, "My richest blessing has been knowing and serving The Lord and His church". Bud was also a director of the Citizens Bank of Blount County since its inception in September 1973. Bud was preceded in death by his father and mother, James H. Coleman, Sr. and Anne Cochran Coleman as well as his son David Coleman and grandsons James W. Coleman and John C. Coleman. Bud leaves his wife of 65 years, Lois Cochran Coleman and his sons, James H. Coleman, III and wife Candace H. Coleman, Stephen L. Coleman and wife Brenda Y. Coleman, and daughter, Amy C. Miranda and husband Ralph J. Miranda. He leaves his sister Betty C. Draper. Bud also leaves seven grandchildren Bonny B. Osterhage, Adam H. Coleman, Ginger E. Coleman, Stephen York Coleman, Matthew Landon Coleman, Joseph D. Miranda and Nathan J. Miranda as well as several nieces, nephews and many friends. Bud's life reflects the words found in II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith". The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving and tender care given by the caregivers of Adventa Hospice: Julie Richard, Cindy Johnson, Diane Hartzog, and Beverle Carpenter as well as the home caregivers: Theressa Bounds, Betty Jean Goforth, Jolena Crowe, Tiffany O'Conner, Bonnee Paumen, Tara Byrd and Patti Cooke. Funeral Service will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2006 in the Trinity Chapel of Smith Mortuary with Minister Dan Chambers and Herb Byrd officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2006 at Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum for the Interment. The family request that remembrances in lieu of flowers be made as donations to either the Maryville Church of Christ's Missions or Benevolence Funds or the Blount County Children's Home. Pallbearers will be the six grandchildren; Honorary pallbearer will be Joe Downey. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday at Smith Mortuary, Maryville, 983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James H. Coleman, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.