James Henry Coffey

James (Jim) Henry Coffey passed away Monday, November 18, 2024, at his home in Arlington, Texas at the age of 86.

Jim was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on March 8, 1938, to father, Dwain Knight Coffey and mother, Doris Lee Skinner. He served proudly in the U.S. Army beginning at the age of 17. Towards the end of his service, in 1958, he met and married the love of his life, Marilyn Young. They moved from California to Texas in 1983 where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Jim retired from General Motors after 40 years. When he wasn’t working, he and Marilyn spent their 61 years of marriage dancing, entertaining and spending time with their family. He was a talented mechanic and loved to tinker on any and everything. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. He was a devout Catholic who spent his entire life caring for the ones he loved, especially his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Roseanne Cantwell; and wife, Marilyn Coffey. His loving spirit is carried on by his two daughters, Cindy Coffey (Dutch Vallaster), Renee Coffey Strickland (Buddy Strickland); and his only granddaughter, Jessica Sickels Brown (Jon Brown). Remembered by his loving family, friends and neighbors that grew to become like a second family to Jim.

Jim was a big teddy bear with a heart of gold. We feel comforted to know that he was greeted by Jesus and reunited with the love of his life, Marilyn. They spent their years on Earth dancing together on any and all dance floors. Now they can once again dance on the greatest dance floor of all. We feel so blessed to have had Jim as a father and Papa. Out of all the hats he wore in life, those were two he wore the best. He will be greatly missed.

As per Jim’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.