James Oscar Coleman

James Oscar Coleman, age 95, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Bridge at Valley View in Boise, Idaho. He arrived in this world on June 9, 1930, in Osceola, Nebraska, the oldest of three children born to Oscar and Stella Coleman. He lived with his parents in York and Arnold, Nebraska prior to moving to Idaho.

Jim, born during the Great Depression, had a unique upbringing. His father was a barnstorming pilot, a wing walker, and a mechanic with a knack for repairing anything. As the Great Depression drew to a close in 1939, Oscar received news from his family about a lumber job in Potlach, Idaho. In 1940, Oscar embarked on a journey with his family, hitching a homemade trailer to his car. They made a stop in Payette, Idaho, for a night's rest. There, Oscar learned of another job opportunity at the Boise-Payette Lumber Company in Emmett, Idaho, which later became the Boise Cascade sawmill.

Jim graduated from Emmett High School in 1949 and attended Boise Junior College for a semester, where he played as an offensive lineman on the football team. He lost interest in school and returned to Emmett to work at the sawmill with his father. Ironically, he would spend 33 years as an educator. On Christmas Eve in 1950, he proposed to his high school sweetheart, Donna A. Bremmer, and they were married on August 8, 1951. In January 1951, just days after becoming engaged, Jim was drafted into the Army. The USA was involved in the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1953, and Jim served for two years with the 747th Amphibian Tank Division at Camp Cook, CA. His unit was on high priority training and ready to deploy to Korea when they were told to stand down, as the signing of the armistice ending the conflict was near.

After his honorable discharge in 1953, Jim and Donna moved to Moscow, Idaho, where he returned to the pursuit he had once walked away from. He enrolled at the University of Idaho earning a bachelor's degree in education in 1957 and his Master's Degree in 1958. On January 21, 1954, in Moscow, Jim and Donna welcomed their first son, Thomas Michael. Richard James was born in 1958 in Boise followed by Donald Alan in 1960. Some of Jim's happiest memories were made with his family exploring Idaho's wilderness, camping, fishing, and hunting. He will always be known as a legendary camp chef with his huckleberry pancakes for breakfast being a delight.

Jim began his teaching career in the fall of 1957 at East Junior High School in Boise, where he also coached baseball. A year later, he moved to Boise High School to teach math and shop and took on the role of varsity tennis coach from 1958 to 1960. In 1960 Jim transitioned to North Junior High School as a counselor, later becoming Assistant Vice Principal in 1966 and then Principal in 1967. He led the school for the next 23 years, retiring in the spring of 1990 completing his 33-year career with the Boise School District.

Education wasn't just his career; it was his passion. He believed that helping children learn and succeed was one of the most meaningful things a person could do. He lived this belief every day. Over the years, Jim stepped into numerous leadership roles, serving on professional and community committees that shaped school policy, supported teachers, strengthened student programs, and improved opportunities throughout the district and state. He also served three years with the National Education Association on the Status and Welfare Committee and served as Chairman for one year. Whether advocating for educators, helping guide financial and insurance programs, advising community organizations, or volunteering his time for local initiatives, Jim never hesitated to show up, and he continued to do so into his 90s. His commitment to service was a constant in his life, evident in the schools he strengthened, the colleagues he encouraged, and the countless students whose lives he influenced.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Jim carried his beliefs with him throughout his life. After moving to Boise, he and Donna became active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later helped support the creation of St. Mark's Parish at Cole and Northview in the 1970s. They took pride in seeing the parish grow, including the construction of the new church built in 2004. Jim also served on St. Mark's Board of Directors / Parish Council, sharing his time and guidance with the parish community.

After retiring, Jim and Donna set out to explore the world together. Among their most memorable adventures were trips to Europe and Rome, and they had lunch in the World Trade Center in New York City—exactly one year before the events of 9/11. Their last big trip was in 2008 where they spent New Years eve in Honolulu watching fireworks over Waikiki Beach and watching their granddaughter play softball in an invitational tournament.

Jim cherished his entire family. He was always a teacher and mentor to his children and to their children. Technically he may have been Dad or Grandpa or G-Papi, but he is better described as a great friend. The bonds he built were truly special and everlasting. A great man!

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Donna in 2015, by his parents Oscar and Stella Coleman, his brothers Robert and Thomas O. Coleman, his son Thomas M. Coleman, in-laws Bill and Edna Bremmer, his sister-in-law Joan Barber, and his daughter-in-law Marilyn Coleman. Jim is survived by his sons Dick (Shirleen) and Don (Becky); his brother-in-law Norm Barber and sister-in-law Lois Coleman; grandchildren Michele (Erich) Lauer, Nicole (Courtney) Coleman, Barbara Anne (Ryan) Rust, Angela (Russell) Langstaff, Nicholas (Katie) Purdy, Michael (Vanessa) Coleman, Sean (Keila) Coleman, and Daniele (Derek Terrill) Coleman; plus 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services, starting with a viewing at 9am, the rosary at 10am, and mass at 11am, will be held on Monday, December 1st, at St Mark's Catholic Church in Boise, ID, officiated by Fr. Ron Wekerle. A reception will follow at the church around noon. The burial will be held in Emmett, ID, after the services and reception. Arrangements are under the care of Cloverdale Funeral Home or www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Bridge at Valley View and Keystone Health & Hospice for their kindness and loving care provided to Dad. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to a Hospice facility of your choice or to the American Heart Association.