John J. Coleman Jr.

I think about John and the family and all the fun summers we shared. I know John and my Tom are up there having a drink and talking sports. My love to all of you.

What heavy news. With all the sorrow and pain it brings I cannot help but remember the many light hearted and sometimes amusing experiences I shared with John. ~ The two alarm clocks he used in stereo on the road to wake him because of his late night paperwork for A&B. He and I getting Wayne Barcome's room in Ft. Lauderdale and his panic when I uscrewed the exterior light bulbs 15 stories above the parking lot. His accidentially knocking a door off the hinges at a PA hotel. The realization we moved bags of trash when he and Doll relocated in Pittsburg so many years ago. His many speeding tickets and exposure of driving to the reinstatement hearing without a license! So many memories to cherish. Our hearts are filled with sympathy to all who he touched over the years, but especially to his soul mate Doll and children who he loved without a thought to himself.



Sincerely - Jerry & Andrea

John was extraordinary. From the first time I went out on campus with him until the last time we talked on the phone, he was the ultimate example of a great salesman and friend. John taught me the best ways to work on campus and his feedback (good or bad!) meant more to me than just about anything else. Knowing that John was happy with something you did with the books you publish was the highest praise. He expected the utmost from others-- but still expected more from himself. He was the first to call if there were problems-- but, more importantly, he was the first to call with a "thank you" or a word of encouragement. Working on campus with John was always an event-- from his color-coded system to his in-depth product knowledge to his incredibly close relationships with his customers to his love of staying at what I always told him were truck stops (and a little sketchy at that!) just so he could drive his car up to the door to unload his whole office, John personified the ultimate salesman. Selling wasn't just a job for John-- it was a calling and he made it personal, which set him apart. At the same time, his family-- Doll, Autumn, Heather, Sean, and Molly-- were always at the forefront of everything he did. While I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting any of them in person, I feel like I know them through John, as he was such a proud husband and father-- always sharing stories about their lives and his love for them.



When I heard of John's passing, one of the first things that came to mind was a scene from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman: "'Cause what could be more satisfying than to be able to go. . . into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people? . . . when he died, hundreds of salesmen and buyers were at his funeral. Things were sad on a lotta trains for months after that."



Things will remain sad for a long time without John-- but my life and many others' are far richer thanks to him. John was in a class of his own. How I miss him.



My thoughts and prayers are with you, Doll, and your family.

John was a force in my life for many years. We met in 1981 and were friends, colleagues, roommates, and battlers for all of them. He was perhaps, the most instense person I have ever met. He was the Best Book Rep I have ever met. He truly believed that what he did, both personally and professionally, made a difference. He was right. Rooming with him at so many meetings was a hoot. I will miss him desperately!

Dear Coleman Family,



We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to your family. During my short tenure with the company, I learned of John’s contributions to the company and of the many friendships he has formed. I overheard many people who spoke of John’s lasting impression. Many of our company’s new employees who have never met John were touched by the stories of his kindness. Our thoughts are with you.



With deepest sympathy,

Rick, Jane and Alyssa Perez

I first met John on campus when I was a new rep for Macmillan Publishing in 1993. Even though we were competitors he was always very professional and kind. What I really appreciated about John is that he treated everyone with respect. It was hard to compete against John because his customers loved him too. When we would see each other on campus John would often talk about his family and it was clear that he loved all of you very much. I am sorry to hear of the news. John Coleman was a great sales professional and a gentleman. It was a pleasure to know him. My sincere condolences.

I REMEMBER WHEN MY BROTHER CAME HOME FROM THE SEMINARY ONE WEEK AND HE ASKED ME TO TEACH HIM TO DANCE. ITHOUGHT TO MYSELF HE MUST HAVE A GIRLFRIEND AND TAKING HER OUT DANCING. SLEEP WELL MY BROTHER,HUSBAND,FATHER AND SON I SURE MISS YOU, YOUR BIG SISTER CAROL

The amount of information that John could recall from memory, about our books and his customers, was truly remarkable. He also believed that what he was doing was important, and that that was another reason he was so incredibly good at it. My first voice mail message in the morning was often from him. It sometimes was a complaint--he held himself to a very high standard, and he expected the same of others. But more often, it was to report adoptions he had closed, and to praise the A&B staff and authors who had helped him be successful. I am going to miss those messages.

John was the very 1st person I worked with on campus. He took me under his wing and I will never forget that. He is someone I will always look up to personally and professionally. He will be missed.

Whenever we were together at sales meetings, no matter what was going on, I could always rely on John's trademark drive and, well, his PRESENCE. When I worked his campuses when he was on leave I received an incredible number of well-wishes from his customers. The faculty at Marshall in particular noted his talent and professionalism. He was a true publishing talent and a wonderful person. Our prayers are with you.

We have good memories of summers spent with the Coleman's. I can still picture John and Maureen pulling up in their station wagon laden with kids, suitcases, pillows and snacks. John and Maureen did a great job raising four super kids. John was a true family man. He was kind, funny sometimes nutty but a truly nice guy. We will miss him.

My brother Jack (John) put his heart and soul into everything he did. Growing up he was a good bother to me in spite of his frequent teasings. He would stay up late Xmas eve to decorate the tree and put his trainset together while we girls would sleep. When I was bullied by any of the neighborhood kids I always felt safe when Jack was there. I have so many fond maemories of him - too numerous to mention. But he certainly had the gift of excellency in everything he endeavored. He will be sadly missed by many, but his spirit will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. I also haave the assurance of knowing he will in eternity with his creator. I love you Jack, Cindy

John brightened my life in so many ways for many years. It was a blessing to know him. He was an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. He never forgot that our true work was all about people not paper, glue and ink. His passing has left a hole in my heart that won't easily be filled but my memory of his life will be long and I can only hope to live in a way that will honor him. My thoughts and prayers remain with you Doll and your wonderful family.

John was a respected colleague and friend whom I admired for his dedication to his family, friends, and Allyn & Bacon, which is where I met John years ago. He was a legend in his time and will be missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.

John was a wonderful, thoughtful, caring man. He was the best all around Representative A&B has ever had. We'll all miss him!

Best to you all.

Doug Hinchey

We just learned of John's passing. Even though we haven't seen each other for quite some time we have fond memories of the years that you were our next door neighbors.



John was a wonderful man and our hearts go out to you Maureen and the children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.



Tom, Helen, Tom, Bob and Katie White

When we were children, Jackie was always at our house, or we at his. I have wonderful memories of him and Rick wearing coonskin caps and playing Davy Crockett. When he ran while playing, Jackie often hummed (da da da dah!), providing a soundtrack for his exploits.



One night when we were in our early 20's and Jack was on a break from the seminary, we all went bar hopping. I was 5'10", Rick was 6'4", and Jackie was even taller. We attracted attention whenever we walked into those campus bars.



More than 30 years ago, Jack and Doll visited me in Philadelphia when they were newlyweds. They were very much in love and looking forward to a life together. My condolences, Doll.



Rest In Peace, Jack.