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JAMES COLEMAN Obituary
Died peacefully at his home in Watertown, MA on October 31, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1933 to parents Hilda Blanch Thompson and James Harold Coleman. He served in the Army Medical Corps during the Korean War as a neuropsychiatric specialist, and later attended the University of Iowa under the GI bill, where he received an MA in English. Jim was a lifelong educator, teaching both English and Humanities in New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. He obtained a MS in Library Sciences and completed his professional career in 1995, retiring from Suffolk University, Boston, having been the associate director of the library. Jim's passions were many: A tremendous zest for life, joy in travel and meeting new people, and a staunch advocate for women's rights. As a writer, he was working on a book about the life of Florence Nightingale. During his retirement, Jim became a tireless activist and used his many talents to help those less fortunate. With his wife Judy Dushku, he started THRIVE Gulu, an organization that operates a center for community gathering and education in Uganda to support the emotional healing and rehabilitation of victims of the Ugandan civil war. In addition to his beloved wife Judy, Jim is survived by step-children Aaron Dushku, Ben Dushku, Nate Dushku, and Eliza Dushku, as well as his daughters Elizabeth Crawford, Allison Goldfarb, Leslie Coleman and Molly Muchmore, 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and his sister Jacqueline (Coleman) Cooksey. Jim is also survived by his extended Gulu, Uganda family who are missing their "Papa Jim." Memorial services will be held at Story Chapel, Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA on November 21st at 1 PM reception to follow. Jim requested contributions be sent to THRIVE Gulu PO Box 52557 Boston, MA 02205
www.ThriveGulu.org/Jim
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES COLEMAN
Cheryl Mcloughlin (Bradshaw)
October 31, 2019
Time goes on, life goes on but Jim will be in our hearts forever xx
Never Forgotten and I'm sure Jim will be looking down at his beauitful family growing up and strong in his honour xx
Thinking of all the family always x
Arlenin Dushku
October 16, 2014
Miss you so much!
Brian Miller
November 25, 2013
Remembering Jim's smile, his wit and his spirit.
November 17, 2013
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. An uncommonly warm, generous, gentle, and wise human - it has been our great privilege to know and love him.
Peace and warm wishes to the Dushku and Coleman families,
The Plovnicks (Bernie, Isaiah, Julian and Aida)
November 14, 2013
We will miss our Papa Jim. His kindness, humor, and warmth will always be remembered. May he rest in peace. Love, Sere and Family.
Janet Klein
November 12, 2013
Prayers to his family and friends. What a wonderful man.
Lisa Bush Finn
November 11, 2013
It's clear that Jim was a gifted and generous man. Though I never had the pleasure of knowing him, it doesn't surprise me, as Judy is much the same, with a strength and love that my mother, Phylis Harris, always appreciated. I'm so sorry for your loss, Dushku & Coleman family, especially dear Judy. It sounds as if his wonderful spirit will live on in his legacy and in all of you.
Jami Downing/Weber
November 11, 2013
Eliza & Family,
God will definitely show u the way to smiling again. I know this experience will change u forever. Just remember all the good times you shared with your father and all the love he gave u throughout the years. He is not gone. He will live in your heart forever. His love, support & guidance will always be with you. Your family strength inspires me and he will forever be smiling down at all of you xoxo
Sorry so for your loss my thoughts & prays are with u during this difficult time.
Jami Downing/Weber & Family
Polina Kat
November 11, 2013
It is an honor to have known this man. Jim we will miss you forever.
November 10, 2013
So much love to you all. I only met Jim a couple times but feel like I know him through these photos and tributes. You are a strong, amazing family and we are so sorry for your loss. Love, light, peace and healing to you.
Jesse, Kevin, Patrick & Sean as well as Glenda, Caitlin, and Pat and Gabe Farren as well XOXOXO
Cheryl (Bradshaw) McLoughlin
November 10, 2013
Sadly gone but not forgotten. All in my prayers. I was made welcome when I came over on a school exchange many years ago. I have never forgotten the whole family and never will. Restin Peace Jim x
Felix Diedhiou
November 10, 2013
Martha Hales
November 10, 2013
What a wonderful description of a life well-lived. Jim was a lovely, kind, deep, thoughtful man who made everyone he met feel loved and important as evidenced by the many people who are feeling his loss! Much love to him and to the Coleman and Dushku families and his beloved Judy!
Arlenin Dushku
November 9, 2013
Jim I love you so much. You will always be in my heart and thoughts. -Leni
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