James Harvey Coleman

1945

James Harvey Coleman died on February 25, 2016.He was born on February 23, 1929, in Pike County, Kentucky.

James graduated high school from Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg. He served as an officer in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. In 1960, James graduated from West University College of Law before settling in Charleston, he was a member of the West Virginia Bar Association for over 50 years. The majority of his legal work was in private practice in Malden, where he felt fortunate to help others. James was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge in Louisville, Kentucky.

What turned out to be his life's most passionate endeavor was being a friend to Bill W., sharing the message of Alcoholics Anonymous as a faithful member since January 2, 1976. James, known for "plugging into the power" encouraged others to work the 12 steps, which he referred to as a "proven path to perfect peace", and to find the God of your understanding. His persistence in spreading the truth, as he understood the truth, touched and changed many lives, also causing disruption for those struggling with honesty and a need to take a closer look deep within.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert M. Coleman, MD and Ruth Cooper Coleman; brothers, Theodore R. Coleman, MD, Herbert M. Coleman, Jr., Robert I. Coleman and Donald J. Coleman.

He is survived by his wife, Marla M. Coleman; children from a previous marriage, daughters, Bobbi Holland and husband, Joey, and Teri DiTrappano and husband, Danté, of Charleston. One son, James D. Coleman of Sarasota, Florida; and daughter, Becky Alford and husband, Van, of Lexington, Ky.; two step-children, Charlotte M. Clark of Greensboro, N.C. and William Mobley III of Williamston, N.C.; also surviving are 12 grandchildren, Brett, Jeremy, Brianna, Shanna, Zachary, Nicci, Santino, Sofia, Hali, Haddon, Caroline and Ellie; three great-granddaughters, Braylynn, Natalia and Zoey; a future great-grandson; and one surviving brother, Charles A. Coleman and wife, Daisey of Columbus, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday February 28, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with Pastor Joey Endres officiating.

James has donated his body to the Human Gift Registry at West Virginia University in Morgantown with his ashes to be placed at Woodmere Cemetery in Huntington and Greenbrier Military School, Lewisburg. -