John W. Coles Jr.

John Coles Obituary

TRENTON - Local jazz great, Johnnie Coles, 89, departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, Mar. 24, 2011, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton.
Johnnie was a native Trentonian born to the late John W. Sr. and Virginia Lacy Coles. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Coles Hayes.
Johnnie attended Trenton public schools and graduated from Trenton High School. He also attended New York Conservatory where he studied theory, counterpoint and harmony, and orchestral arranging.
Prior to his induction into the service he had one of the highlights of his life when he auditioned to play alto sax with Jimmy Lunceford's orchestra at Laurel Gardens in Newark, and the Apollo Theater in New York, N.Y.
Johnnie served three years in the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force he played sax, clarinet and piano with the military bands. He also did some arranging and orchestration.
He began playing with his father's (John Sr.) band at the age of 17. Later Johnnie formed other orchestras and bands. His father played trombone with him. Johnnie played piano with his jazz trio for many years in New Hope, Pa. His son, John III, was the drummer.
He had a membership with Local No. 62 American Federation of Musicians.
John was employed with the State of New Jersey Insurance Department where he held the position of administrator, Division of Enforcement and Consumer Protection, in charge of complaint investigations.
Johnnie is survived by two daughters, Andria Addison (Don), Tracy Ross (Rob), of Titusville; sons, John III (Terri) of Croydon, Pa. and Barry (fiancée, Joy); 10 grandchildren, Sean and Shannon Coles, R. Vaughn, Jasmine, Jessica, and Ryan Ross, Barry Jr., Brittany and Brion Coles and Sherita Conners; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a niece, Brenda Brown and her children Brian and Patrice Brown; his former wife, Betty V. Coles; and other relatives and friends.
A time of reflections (bereavement session) will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the John White Chapel, at Shiloh Baptist Church. All are welcome.
Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday (Mar. 31) at Shiloh Baptist Church, 340 S. Howard Woodson Way, Trenton, under the direction of the Hughes Funeral Home. Calling hours are from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday. Interment will be in Ewing Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 196 Princeton-Hightstown Road, Suite 11, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550.

Published by The Trentonian from Mar. 28 to Mar. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Coles

11 Entries

Yvonne Gomes LaMons

July 15, 2011

Dear Andria, Johnnie (III), and Family, My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Father and family member. Your former neighbor and Our Lady's school friend.

Patricia Smith

April 17, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Family of Mr. Coles. He was a neighbor of mine for many years in Lawrence. He was a great pianist and a great friend. He will be greatly missed!

Eli Woodson

March 31, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Family of Bro;Coles. Had the pleasure of traveling to New Orleans with Mr. Coles on a couple occasions what a class act he was always a smile and cheerful hello from him each day.He will be missed.He lived his life to the fullest.PLAY ON JOHNNY!!!!!

Jean Bickal

March 31, 2011

I worked with Johnny for many years at the Department of Insurance. He was the kind of real gentleman you don't see any more and a sweet, wonderful man who I will always remember with great fondness. My condolences to his family and friends.

Lynn & Clint Gibson

March 31, 2011

To the Family of John W. Coles, Jr.

Sincere condolences are extended in the loss of a classy gentleman and a talented musician. His buddies who went before him are tuning up their instruments getting ready for a heavenly jam session. It'll be a blast! You'll have some precious memories.
Sincerely, Lynn & Clint Gibson

Doyal Siddell

March 30, 2011

... Extending our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you Coles, Rosses and other family members -- on the passing of Brother Johnny.

Always Love,

Doyal, Cheryl and Kathryn Siddell

Eric Walker

March 30, 2011

To all relatives of Mr. Coles, especially Johnnie (III) and Andria, my deepest condolences.

March 30, 2011

I SPENT MANY FRIDAY NIGHTS AT ODETS WITH JOHNNY AND WARREN. THEY HAVE ADDED MANY PLEASENT MEMORIES TO MY LIFE. I KNOW JOHNNY WILL HELP THAT JAZZ BAND IN HEAVEN.
MY SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. JANE ROBINSON

March 29, 2011

The passing of Johnnie Coles has delt all of us a sad loss. Floence and I his family and his many many friends will miss him so. As stated often John was a dapper classy man with the personal appeal to go with his talent. He will be rememberd aways.
Only Forever Jack and Florence

Tom Pass

March 29, 2011

A wonderful musician and an even better man. John was always referred to by his friends as a "class act." He will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Monica White

March 29, 2011

Tracy, Barry & family, my sincere sympathies are with you during this time. May God bless you with warm and loving memories of your father/grandfather that will comfort you when you miss him. Love Monica

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