James Marvin Coates Sr.'s Obituary
James Marvin Coates, Sr., (“Manny”) 89 of Severna Park, MD passed away on January 8, 2023, following a brief illness at Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, MD.
James was born in what is known today as a part of Severna Park but his official “Village or City” of birth on his birth certificate is identified as Jones Station. James was born on March 18, 1933, to Roland and Clara Coates (both predeceased). James took a hiatus after 1 year of high school and entered the Air Force branch of the US military in November 1951 where he served until his honorable discharge in November 1955. His time in the service included 2 ½ years of foreign service. During his period of service, he was awarded a Korean Service Medal, a United Nations Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal. Upon his discharge from the military, he completed his high school curriculum at Bates High School in Annapolis, MD.
James went on to work for the Department of the Navy, Naval Supply Systems Command, until his retirement in March of 1987.
James enjoyed numerous hobbies including RV camping, re-upholstering furniture, playing the electric guitar, collecting quarters issued by each state, collecting baseball style caps, and various camping crafts including party lights made from plastic planters and converting large glass jugs into lamps. James also loved to save stamps whether new or used, whether of USPS origin or from packages mailed from foreign countries. Torn off stamps could be found throughout the house as if to say, “James was here.” While not a hobby, James also had a lawn mowing business which he provided with such great pride it almost seemed like another pleasure activity instead of work.
James was a committed Christian and dedicated member of the Wayman Good Hope AME church. It was a rare occasion that he missed a Sunday service, and many trips were planned so that he would be back in time for the Wayman Sunday morning service. If he was not able to make it back to his home church, he would be sure to go to another house of worship.
James was also a long-time member of the Universal Lodge No. 14 of the Free and Accepted Masons fraternal organization.
James is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sylvia Randall Coates. In addition, he is survived by 5 children from a previous marriage (Agnes Coates): James Marvin Coates, Jr. (Deborah), Carolyn Linda Coates, Alicia Cully (Gregory), Vera Coates Kent (Stanley), and Wanda Pack (Kelvin); one brother, Calvin Coates; 15 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Yolanda Parrish and Nadine Jones; and 3 step-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charles A. Coates (Mary Ann) and sister, Clara E. Day (Raymond). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 12:00 PM, at Lasting Tributes, 814 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD. A public viewing will take place before the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment at Veterans cemetery will be restricted to immediate family only.
James’ Service will be livestreamed: from Lasting Tributes’ Website starting at 11:55 a.m.
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