John Coots Obituary
Coots JR.
Sept. 8, 1929 - Aug. 27, 2008
John F. Coots Jr., 78, a Reno resident for the past 35 years John was born to J. Fred Coots (Songwriters Hall of Fame) and Marjorie Coots, devoted wife and mother of four children in New Rochelle, New York. Outgoing in public John was a truly private man, and wanted no funeral or services; he passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 27, 2008, at home, as was his wish.
John served with the United States Army Airborne during the Korean War. After his tour of duty he headed west and landed in Hollywood and worked for many years in the television and movie industry. In the 70's John left California and moved to Reno, NV to actively pursue his true passion, model railroading. First with Scale Structures LTD., and later with N Scale of Nevada. His designs were known worldwide and his expertise and knowledge was greatly appreciated by everyone involved in the industry, hobbyist and manufacturers alike.
John's other great passion was American Iron, Harley Davidson Motorcycles to be more precise. He was a life member of H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) He rode up until the day he fell ill due to complications from cancer.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his sister, Patti and his brother, Clayton. John is survived by his four children; daughter, Robin of Los Angeles, CA., sons, Jeremy and Jonathan of Reno and Sean of Dayton: his three grandchildren, Devon, Jamie and David and his sister, Gloria of Florida.
Good-bye Pop and God bless, You will be missed. In his passing I can only give you one of his most used and poignant quotes
“It has been one hell of a ride“
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Kristi May
April 20, 2018
I've never met someone I liked so much instantly. You are missed and remembered, always.
Robert Blackman
October 21, 2008
Thank you for your ideas and engineering in those very early days of N scale.
Zoe Yates
October 20, 2008
Dear John,
You were right, you said I wouldn't know how much you loved me until you were gone. Damn we miss you, thanks for the memories. Unforgettable - that's what you are.
The way you wear your hat, the way you sip your tea, the memory of all that - oh no they can't take that away from me. true friend.
Don Loffelman
October 15, 2008
John, you were an N Scale pioneer.
In pursuing your quest for details and models for your beloved SP empire, you elected to share your custom creations with all of us and for that I will always be thankful. Because of your passion and talent, I have the correct size fuel tanks for my Hallmark Brass SD45-2's, T-2's and Lifelike FA-2's, SP-detailed GP-60 body shells and double stack cars with etched walkways when none of these yet existed, tobacco cars, 60' mill gondolas, the infamous "Piggy-Packer" and many more. Some of us are blessed with the skills required to create models and details based on our own needs, but few of us care enough, or have the ability to duplicate what we have done, for the purpose of allowing other modelers to enjoy the results of our own hard work. Thank you for being one of those rare individuals who would, could and did. My sincere sympathy to the Coots family on your passing.
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Don Malm
October 13, 2008
Your help and guidance was, and is, very valuable to me, John. We only had a few contacts, and thankfully one was in person. The warmth of your smile and eyes were exclamation points to your knowledge. Thanks, John
Jim Reising
October 11, 2008
John was unquestionably one of a kind. He was never afraid to innovate - a quality sadly pretty much lost now. Ride on, good man!
Jerry LaBoda
October 10, 2008
His contributions to the hobby of model railroading have been great and it is with deep sadness I must now say goodbye. He was a master craftsman but his work will yet inspire many for many years to come!!!
Randy "randgust" Gustafson
October 10, 2008
Sean and family:
Your Dad convinced me to take a risk and try my own modelbuilding business. He gave me some VERY solid business advice, along with friendship, a great 50th birthday where he reminded my how much life is left ahead (I could barely keep up with him), and a different life perspective in the process. I'll NEVER forget him. I've seen the phrase "mentor" in here so many times it's unbelievable, but count me in on that as well.
I feel rather lucky to have met him and spent a little time with him.
Hank Coolidge
October 10, 2008
John, I never had the pleasure of your acquaintance, but from everything I have heard and read, the World is certainly poorer with your passing.
God Speed, Sir.
Earl Frye
October 10, 2008
Sorry to hear of your passing you are greatly missed.
Jerry DeBene
October 10, 2008
John my friend....you will be missed. I will forever be grateful for your friendship, your guidence, and your wisdom.
My life will always feel the loss of you being gone.
Until we see each other again....
Joel Kirk
October 7, 2008
John,
You were my mentor, friend and advisor... you had the ability to amaze, shock, entertain, enlighten and teach all in the same breath. You were great fun, hell to be around, and I enjoyed the "push"- the striving to model better, always better. You taught me to imagine, put up with me some, and I am truly glad I knew you. In this world there are some souls you keep close to the vest- John Coots was one of those souls.
Christy Wiltfang
September 23, 2008
You told me not long before you passed that people would remember you because you made them laugh. You were right, John. I loved you.
Little Jimmy
September 23, 2008
My friend, my consiglieri, my guide, my advocate, my partner in thought, my well of widom.
I remember walking through that door on Melrose in 1968, you in butterscotch leather pants, a leather vest, and a flag do-rag. I had to squeeze past an electro-glide with flag and eagle tank to get into the shop, where I saw and fell in love with Dusty. I was just trying to sell you IBM stuff, and you sold me a new life - thanks!
I will see you when I get there, but not now, not now. Strength and Honor!
MOIRA COOTS
September 23, 2008
WELL JOHN, FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE REMAINED FRIENDS,THE MEMORIES WILL STAY WITH ME FOREVER, THE GOOD AND THE NOT SO GOOD. THANK YOU FOR EVERY THING ESPECIALLY OUR SON SEAN, YOU WILL NEVER BE FAR AWAY SO LONG AS HE IS HERE, WE MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. NOW YOU ARE FREE TO RIDE LIKE THE WIND SO ENJOY. " FOR ALL WE KNOW' AND YOU KNOW WE WILL. AS ALWAYS MOIRA.
David Coots
September 22, 2008
Grandpa,
I'll miss your fun noises and tugging on that cool beard. I love you lots, David
Chuck Ciaccio
September 22, 2008
John.
You were a wonderful friend and mentor as well as an outstanding individual.
Thanks for all the laughs and generosity. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. You were one of a kind and I'll always remember you.
Jeremy Coots
September 21, 2008
This Songbird gotta fly
Have a safe ride papa
I love and miss you very much
Ill see ya when I see ya
thank you thank you thank you
Jeremy
Sean Coots
September 21, 2008
Ride it like you stole it Pop...
My friend and my protagonist, I'll miss you.
Bye Pop
Sean
ROBIN COOTS
September 21, 2008
I LOVE YOU DADDY....
YOUR DAUGHTER,
ROBIN
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