Cover photo for James Coleman's Obituary
James Coleman Profile Photo
1964 James 2016

James Coleman

October 23, 1964 — December 11, 2016

Pastor Dr. James Isaiah Coleman (“Pete”, “Javik”) was born on October 23, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. He is the third child in a family of five children, and the oldest son to Isadora Martin-Coleman and Isaiah Coleman. He married his soul-mate and partner, Doris Coleman, on June 7th, 1988 and has four children: Armani Coleman, Chequaya Coleman, Zipporah Coleman, and James Coleman Jr.; and two grand-children, Richard Jenkins III and Liam Coleman-Jenkins. Both his mother, Isadora Coleman, as well as his older brother, Leroy Martin, preceded him in death.

James was educated in the Chicago Public Schools as a youth and graduated from Perkins Bass Elementary School, Juliette G. Low Junior High School, and ultimately from Chicago Vocational High School in 1982. He then attended Olive Harvey College for two years but later decided to join the United States Navy in 1985. He served in the Navy for 14 years where he received advanced aviation training, training in advanced avionics integrated weapons systems, training in computer science maintenance, and training as a Helicopter Technician. While in the Navy, he was able to travel around the world (twice) visiting such countries as Korea, China, the Philippines and Japan. He received the Navy Corps Achievement Award, the Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. While recently in the hospital, he had a one-on-one, face-to-face meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney where he advocated for veteran’s rights, even while ill himself. He later worked for 15 years as an Aviation Technician and manager for a global helicopter building company where he oversaw and assisted in building helicopters for such people as Bill Gates, the Queen of England, and many others.

James was a deeply spiritual person and attended church regularly from a very young age. He was baptized on July 10, 1993 by Pastor Josie M. Carroll at the House of God Temple No. 1 in Memphis, Tennessee and became an active member of the Hebrew Pentecostal church community. He loved to teach the Word of God. While on a ship during his time at the Navy, James received commendations for ministering to over 2,000 of his colleagues and peers. He saved and led many to Christ. Many people have learned from his teachings. In 2005, he was pastor of Bethel Anointed Ministry and he ran Bible Studies out of his home. James pursued his studies in religion and theology by attending the Tabernacle Bible College where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in 2005 in Theology; International Christian University where he received a Master of Arts in 2009 in Biblical Studies; and the Jamison School of Ministry & Theology where he received an honorary doctoral degree in Divinity, also in 2009.

For those who knew him as “James” or “Pete” or “Javik”, we all knew him as a smart, principled, strong, and ambitious man—never giving up on learning and mastering almost anything he put his mind to. He studied the Bible religiously and was a minister. He was stylish and made his own suits and clothes. He was a writer and wrote moving poetry. He practiced shaolin. He played the trombone. He was a precise technical drawer. And, he was the “king of the comeback” or the “comeback kid”, and never let any setback or life experience keep him down for long.

Perhaps his most important accomplishments, however, were the lives that he touched and influenced whether through his ministry, experiences, or accomplishments--the many brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, nieces and nephews who chased after his coat-tails trying to be more than the circumstances we were born into; trying to be as successful as he was; trying to have a family as strong and as beautiful as his; and striving, like him, to work hard and to never give up even in the face of adversity.

James leaves to cherish the memory and the joy that he brought into their lives his wife, five children, and two grandchildren; his two sisters, Twyla Coleman & Charlotte Martin; his one brother, Darnell Coleman; his sister & brothers-in-law, Edward Walker (Katrina), Serena Moore (Barry), Willie Brown (Theresa), Michael Brown (Nicole) and Mary Morris (Warren); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

James fought the good fight and was surrounded by family until the very end. He died on December 11th, 2016 at the VA Hospital in Philadelphia. He will truly be missed.


SERVICES
Viewing

Tuesday, December 20, 2016
9:00 AM

Morning Star Holiness Church
1629 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120

Funeral Service

Tuesday, December 20, 2016
10:00 AM

Morning Star Holiness Church
1629 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120

Burial

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Washington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Rd
Newtown, PA 18940

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