EDWARD JASON COFFEEN

Edward Jason Coffeen, a lifelong resident of Madera, CA., passed away on December 21, 2013, at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, CA, surrounded by his loving family. Jason, known as "Big Ed" to colleagues, Leroy to friends, and Jason to his family, was born on November 8, 1938, in Merced, Ca. He graduated from Madera High School in 1956. Jason's passion was cars; Ford's to be exact, from racing to designing. He held the National Drag Racing Title for six months in 1961 and had a host of trophies from his racing days. Jason attended Fresno State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Engineering. He had begun a Master's Degree program when Ford Motor Company hired him as a warranty manager in Detroit, Mi. He worked directly under the supervision of Lee Iacoca. After several years, Jason moved back to Madera as a partner in the Ford Madera Dealership which he helped establish. He later had his own dealership, Madera Motor Sales, and worked in the automobile industry for more than 40 years. Jason attended the Indy 500 twelve times and frequented the Madera Speedway often. In 1980, Jason met Vera and they married a year later. After selling his dealership years later, Jason assisted Vera at Pro Mr. Z Realty as the controller. He was an excellent accountant and kept track of each cent to the penny. It was a well-known secret that if Jason was late to the office, one might find him at his lucky machine at Table Mountain Casino, with his platinum card in tow. In 1987, Vera and Jason were blessed with the birth of their daughter Jennifer. Jason always hoped to witness Jennifer's graduation, which he did on May 17, 2013, standing proud at her Master's ceremony at California State University, Fresno. Jason was preceded in death by his father Frank; his mother Vera Viola; his sister Shirley and her husband Bob Nelson. Jason is survived by his loving wife Vera; and daughter Jennifer of Madera; daughter Karen and son in law Raed Khoury; and granddaughters, Kaylin and Elaina of Fresno; son, Kelly Jason Coffeen; and granddaughter Amanda of Fresno; sister Carol and her husband Johnnie Robbins; and nephews, John and Randal of Merced; nephew, Rick Nelson; and niece Lynn; sisterin-law, Nada Stijovic; and mother-in-law, Mima Stijovic. We would like to thank the staff at St. Agnes Medical Center ICU 3rd Floor, for the care and kindness afforded our family during his hospital stay. Vjechnaja Pamjat, memory eternal as you ascend to Heaven. We will always love you forever......Our Miracle Man. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 27, 2013, 12:00 noon at Jay Chapel, Madera, Ca. Interment to follow at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, 1301 Roberts Avenue, Madera, Ca. Donations may be made to the St. Sava Mission Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 252, Jackson, Ca. 95642 or Madera Noontime Rotary Jay Chapel, 1121 Roberts Avenue, Madera, California (559)674-8814