Coy H "Jim" James Jr.

Coy Hilton James, Jr. (known to all as "Jim" James), 84, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, was with family when he passed away February 14, 2026 at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his generosity, genuine affection and playful humor.

Born May in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Professor of History Coy H. James Sr. and Aurelia D. James, Jim beat polio as a child, lived for a time in post-World War II Munich, played high school tennis and developed a life-long love of history. He studied finance at Denison University and worked nearly his entire career at City Bank and Trust Co. in Jackson, Michigan. He further attended the prestigious Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, cementing his place in bank management and dodging a hurricane in the process.

While at Denison, Jim met the love of his life, Sue Ellen Baker James, marrying her in 1962. Jim and Sue gave life to son Rick James (1963) and daughter Christy James (1970). We will miss him dearly and remember him forever. Jim is preceded in death by his brother Gerry and nephew Evan. He is survived by wife Sue, son Rick (Kira) James, daughter Christy James (Jeff Roy), brother Robin, nephews Nick and Matt, son-in-law Jeff, daughter-in-law Kira, grandchildren Ian, Anna (James) Grace and Lucy, grandson-in-law Eli, as well as great granddaughter Juniper.

A generous and loving man, Jim supports several causes, including animal shelters (in memory of his beloved golden retriever, Ozzy), Jackson Interfaith Shelter, the local Salvation Army, and the Wounded Warrior Project. He gave of his time, helping coach Lumen Christi Girls Tennis for years and recently joining his church's governing board.

A service celebrating Jim's full, humor-filled life will be held Saturday, February 28th at Hillside United Methodist Church, 6100 Folks Road, Horton, Michigan. The family will greet visitors from 11am until the service starts at noon, followed by a luncheon. All who wish to are welcome to join us in honoring his memory.

We are especially thankful for the love and companionship provided by Larry Rubingh, Jim's friend and pastor, and everyone at Hillside United Methodist.