James L. Coffman Jr.

May 23, 1939 - June 22, 2020

On Monday, June 22, 2020, James L. Coffman Jr, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 81. James was born on May 23, 1939 in St. Louis, MO to James L. and Ora Fay Padgett Coffman. He grew up in Salem, MO where he spent the majority of his life. He attended high school at Wentworth Military Academy and went on to attend college at Northwestern University in Chicago where he obtained a degree in Business. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Episilon Fraternity and served as President. After college he returned to Salem, where he spent his career as owner and operator of Roberts-Judson Lumber Company and Concessionaire with Mary of Montauk State Park for 20 years. After returning to Salem, James met Mary (Hart) Coffman, the love of his life, who he married on September 23, 1967. They are the proud parents and grandparents of three daughters, nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. James loved and served his community well and was involved in a great many organizations, committees and boards including The Bank of Salem, Rotary, Shriners, Royal Order of Jesters, the Masonic Lodge, Salem Community Betterment Association, Developmental Disabilities Board, Salem Housing Authority, Senate Bill 40 Board, and Meramec Regional Planning Commission. He retired as a Lieutenant-Colonel from the Missouri Army National Guard after serving over 28 years. James was preceded in death by his parents, James L. & Ora Faye Coffman; his brother, Robert Coffman; and son-in-law, Captain Benton Zettel. He is survived by his wife Mary of 52 years, his daughters: Elizabeth Breidecker and husband Rob, Caroline Snider and husband Brandon, and Molly Zettel; nine grandchildren, Abbie and husband Matt Woolf, Matt Russell, Joe Breidecker, Emma Breidecker, Kennedy Snider, Ben Snider, Tyler Breidecker, James B. Coffman, Judson Coffman; one great-grandson, Carter Woolf; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service for James L. Coffman will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11:00AM at the Salem Methodist Church with Pastor Barry Bough officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Salem Chapel of The James and Gahr Mortuary on Wednesday, June 24th from 5-7 pm, with Masonic Services at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salem Lovepack program, Dent County Animal Welfare Society (DCAWS), The Dent County Museum, The Bonebrake Center or a charity of your choice.