New York, New York
The Force Was With Him
James R. Coyle wanted to be Luke Skywalker. But because of certain difficulties in pursuing that career path, he decided to do what he thought was the next best thing, which was fighting fires.
Sure, there was no flying across galaxies or rescuing princesses, but joining the New York Fire Department had its own rewards.
Both of his grandfathers were New York firefighters. Firefighter Coyle joined the department's cadet program while studying at Brooklyn College. He was 22 when he graduated as valedictorian of that program on a wet June day about four years ago.
For the next three years, he worked as an emergency medical technician. He delivered a baby in the back of an ambulance. He ducked bullets in crime-ridden neighborhoods.
Last December, he completed training in the fire academy and joined Ladder Company 3 in the East Village. One grandfather gave the firefighter his old fire hat.
The last glimpse his mother, Regina Coyle, had of Firefighter Coyle was on her television set on Sept. 11, when a local television station was doing a morning show on cooking in the firehouse. He had just finished a night shift, she said, and he was there to eat meal before heading off to Chicago on vacation.
I knew James mother Regina from my church St. Paul, Brooklyn, NY. James knew my son Joey. I was shocked when I heard of his passing. May James rest in the arms of Jesus.
Colleen McNulty
September 11, 2025 | Monroe, NY | Acquaintance
God bless James, a true American hero, and all those who gave and risked their lives for others on that terrible day. God bless James's family. Rest in perfect peace James.
Rose
November 10, 2024
Thank you James/Jimmy for the one night out we had at the diner. We ate French fries and laughed a lot! You were a gentleman and made sure I got home safe the summer of 2001. I never forget you. I was a flight attendant looking to go to law school or teach school ..you encouraged me to follow my dreams. I kept flying. Thank you for your bravery. Never forget.
Carla
September 27, 2024 | Friend
I just finished the 9/11 stair climb, I did it in honor of James Coyle. I didn´t know this individual but thank you and everyone involved for your serving in the fire department god bless you all and thank you.
Zachary Taylor
September 11, 2024 | Other
We will never forget the day when the United States lost so many heroes. Praying today for James' family and friends. Much love from Texas,
Del Newberry
October 28, 2021 | Heartland, TX
I came across this picture from 2001. It was St. Patrick´s Day in South Boston Massachusetts. My friends and I met James and a friend in an Irish pub after the St. Patrick´s Parade. I remember we all spent the night celebrating together. I remember James being such a polite and warm person. His patch is clearly visible in the picture and it prompted me to look him up. I was deeply saddened to learn of his fate on that awful day. I´m happy to have met this hero and to have spent some time with...
Jessica Papsedero
September 18, 2021 | Friend
My husband and I traveled to NYC to see the 9/11 Memorial in 2013. In taking a picture of the memorial, his name was captured in my photo. Today, on the 20th anniversary, I wanted to know just who he was. Thank you, James Raymond Coyle. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your strength.
May God Bless You.
Leslie Walbolt
September 11, 2021 | Toledo, OH
Never forget what these brave men did; I didn't know Jim, but have donated in his memory and feel honored to do so at this sad 20th anniversary of that horrible day.
Blessings to his family.
September 10, 2021
Remembering James on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 05, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
