Justice Paul H. Coffee

Ventura - Paul Hiram Coffee, 88, Ventura, California, passed away comfortably at home surrounded by family, on November 19, 2020. Paul was born in Madera, CA, to Everett and Mildred Coffee on July 10,1932. Paul spent six years in the navy as a naval aviator. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Bolt Hall School of Law in 1962. After practicing insurance defense law in both San Jose and San Luis Obispo, he was appointed to the Superior Court of San Luis County in 1992, and was elevated to the California Court of Appeal in 1997. While in the practice of law he was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates in 1982 and became president of the tri-counties chapter in 1989. Paul also served as president of the Association of Defense Counsel of Northern California in 1989.

Paul was an avid sailor and loved living aboard his 42' sail boat in Ventura Harbor with his partner of 20 years, Elizabeth Kinney. They were long time subscribers and fans of the Rubicon Theater. Paul is survived by his daughter Lisa Boucher, her husband Dan and granddaughter Alyssa, 15, of Brisbane, CA; his daughter Marisa Bello, her husband Ryan and grandchildren Caia, 26, Keilan, 21, and Elle, 15, of San Luis Obispo. He is also survived by his loving partner Elizabeth and her son David, daughter Barbara, grandchildren Matt, Steve, Angelo, Marina, Carley and great granddaughter Autumn Moon.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Rd, Ventura, CA 93003; or, City of Hope Cancer Research Hospital, 1500 Duarte Rd, Duarte, Ca 91010.

The family wishes to thank all of the medical professionals who took such loving care of him, and the staff of Assisted Healthcare Services who provided support and hospice care.

A private internment will take place at Santa Clara Cemetery. A memorial service will be held once the COVID restrictions have been released and we can gather together to celebrate his great life. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Nov. 20 to Nov. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Justice Coffee

Sponsored by Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Ventura.

12 Entries

Tony Marlow

November 15, 2025

Thinking of you today Justice Coffee; you were one of the good guys. R.I.P.

Tony Marlow

November 15, 2024

Thinking of you today Justice Coffee. You was a good man and always fair minded. Thanks for the experience and memories. R.I.P.

Tony Marlow

November 15, 2023

Thinking of you today Justice Coffee. It was an honor to have known you. R.I.P.

Tony Marlow

November 16, 2022

Thinking of you today Justice Coffee. You were a wonderful man. R.I.P.

Tom Keating

November 25, 2020

Paul was a true gentleman and a wonderful person. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune of having known him.

Lawrence kern

November 25, 2020

He was a thoughtful, kind , considerate, and loved the legal community. My deepest sympathies to all who knew and cherished him,

Jeane Struck

November 24, 2020

I love you Paul. Always.
- May his memory be a blessing.

Judge David W. Long (Ret.)

November 23, 2020

As a person he was all that any of us would aspire to be: gentle, dignified, resourceful, brilliant, elegant, courageous and wonderfully funny. He instinctively realized, and never had to think about it, that leadership stems, above all, from personal example. As well, he instinctively knew that loyalty is begotten from loyalty. To gain it one must have unfailingly and unhesitatingly given it. And he did.

Finally, in the well over 40 years I knew Paul I never, repeat never, heard him speak disparagingly of anyone, even the most bozotic bozo attorney against whom he litigated or who happened to appear in front of him while he was on the bench.

He was a dear, cherished and trusted friend who will be deeply, even desperately missed.

Rosie Whipple

November 22, 2020

Rest In Peace Your Honor and condolences to your family and Elizabeth. I will remember you as an amazing intelligent fair jurist, kind-hearted gentleman and a fantastic boss.

TONY MARLOW

November 21, 2020

Justice Coffee was a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of appearing before him in both the Superior Court and Court of Appeals. He was a fair jurist, and always tried to do the right thing. He will be sadly missed. My condolences to the family. R.I P.

Vicki Carroll

November 21, 2020

Paul was a very kind man. It was a pleasure to have known him.

Stephen Dorsi

November 21, 2020

The phrase "a seafaring gentleman and a scholar" is made for Paul.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

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