James F. Coleman

James (Jim) F. Coleman, age 90, a longtime resident of Maynard, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026.

He was the beloved son of the late Joseph J. Coleman and Marion F. "Midge" (Norton) Coleman. He was born on April 29, 1935, and raised in Waltham. Jim is predeceased by his loving wife, Vera (Robinson) Coleman having been married for 59 years, and is survived by his daughters, Kathi A. Ferrante and her husband, Al Ferrante, Jr. of North Chelmsford, MA, as well as Leanne C. Coles and her husband, John Coles of Maynard, MA. He was the loving grandfather of Lily (Connor) Coles.

His strong work ethic began at the age of 12. Due to illness, his mom was in and out of hospital, so he oftentimes found himself at loose ends after school. During those times, he would hang out at the local gas station doing odd jobs with his payment being provided in hotdogs. He graduated from Waltham High School with the Class of 1953 and then served in the U.S. Army (1955-1956) during the Korean War.

After getting married in 1957, he and his wife, Vee, built a new home in Maynard and moved there in 1958. They were very involved in their church and most Sundays; they could be found holding hands during the service. Jim was very active in Town government serving on the Planning Board and as Town Moderator for many years. He founded several businesses located in Maynard, Boxborough, Littleton and Ayer. Jim was also a board member of the Middlesex Bank (1975-2007) and continued to serve as Honorary Trustee.

From 1977 to 1997, Jim founded Mobile Sales and Service for Commercial & Industrial cleaning equipment which was trademarked Power America.

After a brief attempt at retirement, from 2003-2005, he founded Chandler Place LLC as a condominium development project in Ayer, MA. In 2007, he couldn't resist the pull to return to his cleaning equipment sales and service days, so he founded Power Washer Sales in Littleton, MA. Upon suffering a severe stroke, Jim retired in 2015.

Determined to reclaim his independence and never one to be slowed down, he joined Anytime Fitness in Acton. For several years he would do his exercise routine twice a day, EVERY DAY until he could no longer manage it safely. Upon the death of his wife, Vee, in 2016 he would go to visit her graveside after each workout and sit quietly reflecting on the wonderful memories they had shared.

Jim was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his family and friends. Always generous to those he cared about whether they were family, friends, employees or his church. He treated everyone that he encountered with the respect, kindness and dignity they deserved. He loved to read, travel to Las Vegas and watch movies. His ready smile and dry wit accompanied every story he delighted in sharing with friends and family. Jim was devoted to his family and was passionate in his love for animals. Providing comfort and care for many beloved stray cats over his lifetime. Jim also loved the United States of America and could be seen often at the traffic intersection on the corner of Main and Summer Street displaying his pride with a flag or a patriotic sign while wearing a sweatshirt with USA on the front and waving to passing motorists.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, March 6th from 4:00PM-8:00PM in the Acton Funeral Home 470 Massachusetts Avenue (Rte. 111) Acton. Funeral services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats, 499 Northfield Rd, Lunenburg, MA 01462

https://catsontheweb.org/

Or to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 1858, Merrifield, VA 22116

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate

In loving memory of Jim.