James Paul Coates

James Paul Coates, age 93 of Wilmington NC, formerly of Colchester, Vt., died January 18th 2026.

He was born on May 16th, 1932 in Burlington Vt., son of William I. and Minna Aust Coates. Also remembered are Ann (Honey) Bass his first wife and mother of his children, James (Butch) P. Coates Jr., of Albermarle NC, his son; and Richard (Rick) A. Durbin his stepson.

James was born and raised in Burlington Vt., where he graduated from Burlington High School. After graduation, he enlisted and served in the US Army for 22 years, serving in Korea, Vietnam, France, and Fort Bragg, NC. Upon retiring from the Army, he moved to Wilmington and owned a carpet business for several years. He then earned a degree in Electronics from Cape Fear Community College. He was hired by Sears as an Electronics Technician, where he retired after 17 years of service.

Jim became a member of Long Leaf Baptist Church in 1982. He was a devout man of God, faith, and integrity. He lived what he believed and showed love and concern for all that met him. He had a deep care and passion for church life, serving as a Deacon, Moderator, and on the Finance Committee. He served in the nursery for 12 years, taught the older men's Sunday School Class for 36 years and also a Bible Study at Glover Plaza each Sunday afternoon for 30 years. Another one of his joys was teaching Bible Study to the students at Victory Christian Academy in Riegelwood for 10 years.

In March of 2023, he joined Fellowship Church. Because of his declining health he could not attend much but rejoiced in the times he could attend.

His retirement years brought much pleasure and joy to him, doing things that provided contentment to him. Jim lived life to the fullest and had a winning sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew him. Jim loved his Lord and Savior, his family, and his church family.

Surviving is his wife Ellen Stephens Coates, whom he married May 5th, 1983. Surviving family are his daughters Dottie Sue Harrell and husband Walter, Lavonne Coates-Nail and her husband Al Nail, Tina Ann Insco and husband Greg, Tammy Elizabeth Garris and husband Tim. His stepdaughter Rita Jo Thomson and husband Paul, and daughter-in-law Robin Coates. His 11 grandchildren are Van Duncan, James Paul "JP" Coates, Casey Coates and his wife Sarah, Ian Ashley and his wife Kate, Erin McCumber, Justin Hughes, Christin McKoy, Kim Roberts, Nicole and Emily Huff, and Erin Ball. His 13 great-grandchildren are Nolan, Emma, Bella, Jacob, James, Olivia, Chase, Scarlet, Willow, Boone, Gunner, Sebastian and Anna.

Surviving in Vermont is his family that he loved so dearly. His brother, David Coates, and his two sisters, Gladys Coates-Hart, Helen Coates-Bailey and husband Dave, and many nephews and nieces.

Deceased is Eddie Losier, William (Billy) Coates and Sue Coates of Vermont, seven brothers-in-law, and three sisters-in-law.

A committal burial service will be held 11 am Thursday at the Wilmington National Cemetery at 2011 Market Street Wilmington NC 28403.

A celebration of Life will be held 12 noon Thursday January 22, 2026 at Fellowship Baptist Church 5709 Murrayville Road Wilmington, NC 28405 with Reverend Arnold Griffin officiating and assisted by dear family friend, Joe Rogehlia. A time of visitation and fellowship will be following the services.

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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.