James Coleman

James ("Jim") Francis Coleman Feb. 5, 1928 - Nov. 5, 2010 Jim Coleman was released from the confusion and struggles of advanced Alzheimer's disease when he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the 5th of November from complications of pneumonia. His family and friends hope he is once again free to roam the wide expanses of his creative mind, designing his next project, appreciating the aesthetics of art and architecture, and perhaps raising a glass or two with old friends and entertaining them with a few one-liners. Jim leaves behind a loving family and numerous friends. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lupe, his daughter, Micki, his son, Packy, three grandchildren, Paige, Dillon, and Tia, a nephew, Gary Merritt, as well as the rest of his family in California, New York, and Australia. Jim was born in Sydney, Australia and moved to San Francisco as a child. He graduated from Lick-Wilmerding High School and the California School of Fine Arts. He received his teaching credential from San Francisco State College, and his master's degree from University of San Francisco. He spent thirty years teaching in the San Francisco Unified School District, first sharing his interests as an art and English teacher, then as a Work Experience Coordinator at various high schools. He retired in 1980 as the Project Manager of the Youth Work Experience Program, serving as a mentor for kids as they developed the skills to enter the working world. Jim had a life-long interest in Mexican Art. His grandest project was his house, which he designed and worked on for over forty years, doing everything from pouring the cement foundations, framing the walls, and creating the elaborate woodwork which adorns the house. He had many opinions, especially about San Francisco politics and the 49ers, which he was always willing to share with anyone. He loved to hike, meandering the trails around Marin, and spending many happy Christmases in Yosemite trudging in the snow with his family. There will be a memorial service in his honor on Monday, December the 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Fernwood Funeral Home, 310 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley, with a reception following at The Outdoor Art Club, One West Blithedale Avenue, Mill Valley. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of Kaiser Hospital in Terra Linda, Hospice BY The Bay, and the Alzheimer's Association for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, Jim would have very much appreciated donations be made to Hospice By The Bay, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur CA 94039 or to the Alzheimer's Association.