James Coleman

James Albert Coleman Hyde Park- James Albert Coleman, 58, a local resident since 1957, died Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, at Vassar Bros. Medical Center, Poughkeepsie. Born Jan. 23, 1954, in Newburgh; he was the son of James M. Coleman and the late Joan D. Masten Coleman. His mother predeceased him in 2006. Jim was a 1972 graduate of F. D. Roosevelt High School. He then graduated at the top of his auto mechanic class at Dutchess County BOCES. He was proud to be a member of the first graduating class at the new BOCES campus. Mr. Coleman worked for the Hyde Park Central School District Transportation Department. He began working there in high school washing school buses and retired as Head Mechanic after 36 years of service. Jim loved his family first and cars, trucks, and motorcycles second. He was always helping others, especially with their cars, and he was known for his great sense of humor. He enjoyed traveling and camping with his family, especially to Maine, Myrtle Beach, and Fla. Most recently, he traveled to the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone Park. Mr. Coleman loved music. He attended many concerts and Broadway shows. He also had an interest in photography. Jim had the unique ability to put things together without needing directions; he had a great problem solving ability, a trait that made him a great mechanic. He was an antique transportation toy collector, and NASCAR enthusiast. One of the highlights of his life was attending the Daytona 500. Jim built a 1952 Ford Truck Hot Rod, and was presently building a 1929 Roadster. He liked to show his truck and attend custom and antique car shows. He also liked motorcycles, especially Harley Davidsons. On Feb. 4, 1978, he married the former Jane Ann Schwarze at Regina Coeli Church in Hyde Park. Mrs. Coleman survives at home. In addition to his wife, Jane Ann, and father, James M. Coleman, Jim is survived by his three daughters, Shannon M. Simek and husband, Thomas, of Titusville, Fla., Christine J. Tuttle and husband, Aaron, of Hyde Park, and Caitlin J. Wagner and husband, Richard, of Salt Point; three grandchildren, Kayla Simek, and Connor and Lucas Tuttle; brother, Mark Coleman of Saugerties; sister, Kelly Herrera and husband, Victor, of Randolph, Mass.; two nephews, Jason Herrera and wife, Sara, of Brockton, Mass., and Terrence Herrera and wife, Allison, of Mass.; and many cousins, especially Barbara Froelich of Montgomery. Calling hours will be Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Funeral services will be at 6 p.m. during the calling hours. Rev. Arlene Dawber will officiate. In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hudson Valley Region, 121 Executive Drive, New Windsor, N.Y., 12553. To send a condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneral home.com.