James Coleman

James Coleman, affectionately known as “JC” (82) of Lynchburg, Virginia, entered eternal rest on September 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise & Burnis Coleman Sr. Brothers: Burnis Coleman Jr, Pete Coleman, Elliott Coleman, Hubert Coleman, Lewis Coleman, and Ike Coleman Sr. Sister Bernice Coleman.

JC was born on April 6, 1942, in Waynesboro, Georgia. He attended school in Burke County. He entered the United States Army and proudly served his country for 27 years. JC rose to Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank for non-commissioned officers. JC was honored with multiple awards for his courageous service, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Purple Heart. As a last-duty assignment, he trained young men and women in ROTC at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He retired from the United States Army in 1989. 

JC devoted his life to his passion for God and others, resulting in his attendance and graduation from Liberty University Bible Institute. He served faithfully at the Center (a children’s ministry) of Thomas Road Baptist Church. He joined All Nations Community Church in 2008 as a Pastor and Minister of Care and Outreach.

His desire to promote the well-being of others inspired him to help establish NoWalls, a non-profit organization in Lynchburg. He was instrumental in inspiring and encouraging young adults to be productive citizens. He became an avid bowler and served on the United States Army Bowling team. His love for bowling continued, and he was inducted into the Amateur Bowler’s Hall of Fame.

JC’s kindness, generosity, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. His friends and family remember him as a man of great integrity and warmth. He leaves to cherish fond memories: A devoted wife Emma B. Coleman, Daughters, Katrina Coleman, and Arna Coleman of Augusta, Georgia, and son, Reginald Thompson of West Hartford, CT. Grandchildren Shamel (JaKeala) Powell, Demarcus Lankford, Shaliah Powell, Shatrina Powell, and Brittany Prillman. 5 Great-grandchildren, Sisters: Annie Bell Jones, Eloise (Robert) Sams, Mae (Jerry) Devoe, Edna (Johnny) Martin and Louise (Carl) Singleton, and Barbara Coleman (Niece raised as a sister). Brothers: Sammie Coleman, Moses (Joy) Coleman, Victor Allen (Nephew raised as a brother), and Eric Coleman (Nephew raised as a brother) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends. 

God saw the road was getting rough,, the hills were hard to climb,

He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered, “Peace be thine.”

The weary hours, the days of pain, the sleepless nights have passed,

The ever patient, worn-out frame has found sweet rest at last.

-Respectfully submitted, The family

 A visitation will be on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, from 3:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. A celebration of J.C.'s life will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, VA. at 11 A.M. A graveside service will be held at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC. on September 17, 2024 at 2:00 P.M.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family