James Elmer Coleman

James Elmer Coleman, 85, of Ware Shoals, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on April 14, 2024. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Martha Yvonne Stewart Coleman, after 51 years of marriage and his two older brothers, Calvin Jr. and John Coleman.  James was the youngest son of the late Calvin and Annie Adams Coleman.

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters: Debra (Henry Lee) Bluford of Laurens, South Carolina; Donna Coleman of Greenville, South Carolina; and Danielle (John) Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. He is also survived by Mary Lee Adams Freeman, who was reared as his sister; four grandchildren (Tyrone, Tiffany, Jayden, and Janelle), six great-grandchildren, and a host of loving relatives and friends. One of his grandchildren, Melody Blocker, preceded him in death. 

James joined Dunn Creek Baptist Church at a young age and served on both the finance and grounds committee throughout his years of membership.

James, a man of humble beginnings, believed in doing what was right, having integrity and a strong work ethic. He always provided for his family and with a quiet demeanor he showed his unwavering love and dedication through his actions. During his career he was a car transporter, helped to build our railroads, and spent more than 40 years in the textile industry, including jobs at Riegel Textile and Peerless Plant where he retired. After retirement, James remained busy mowing yards and growing vegetables and herbs in his garden. He loved spending time outside in the sunshine and always found a project to tinker with.  He also had a passion for cars, he was a big fan of NASCAR racing and enjoyed traveling to car shows.  He also enjoyed watching Western movies and drinking his daily cup of coffee.

His love and strong presence will truly be missed but his lessons and legacy will live on forever.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Dunn Creek Baptist Church in Ware Shoals, SC.  The interment will follow at Forksville Baptist Church Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held on Friday from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family is at the homes of his daughters, Donna Coleman, 11 Juneau Court, Greenville, SC, 29605 and Danielle Smith, 401 Kindletree Way, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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