James G. Coulson

1951 - 2025

James G. Coulson, 74, of Strattanville, peacefully rode off to his heavenly home on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after an extended period of declining health. Jim was born on April 20, 1951, in Greenville, SC, to James F. and Dorothy (Friedemann) Coulson. When he was young, the family returned to the family farm in Lower Burrell, where Jim first fell in love with riding horses. He married Linda S. Utz on Oct. 6, 1972, in Wexford; she survives. Jim attended Burrell High School, graduating in 1969. Following high school, he attended Clarion State College, studying music, and worked at numerous jobs in the Clarion area. He was a mechanic at S & M Motorcycle Sales and Repair, worked a drilling rig for Karl's Drilling, drove a delivery truck for Rhea Lumber, seeded and reclaimed strip mine sites with ReKlaim, and delivered the mail for the US Postal Service. Jim was the owner/operator of the Clarion Frozen Food Locker on Greenville Avenue until he returned to Clarion University in 1993 to study information technology. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree from CUP in 1997. Jim was the Facility Information Technology Specialist for the State Correctional Institutions from 1999 to 2014, first at the Quehanna Motivational Boot Camp in Karthaus, PA, and then transferring to the more recently completed SCI Forest in Marienville. He retired from SCI Forest in Dec. 2014. At the same time he was returning to school as an adult student, Jim rediscovered his passion for trail riding on horseback. Trail rides were planned months in advance with just the right campsite secured at favorite locations from northern New York to Kentucky. Jim was known as the campfire cook, preparing meals in his cast-iron cookware to share with his riding buddies: Darlene, Heather, Mike, Kim, Chuck, Skip, Bob, Jackie, Barb, Rick, Patty, Dave, Gary, Ginger, Kathy, and Dirt. The horse who carried him changed throughout the years from Misty to Toby, Joker, Star, and finally, Scooter, as did the dog that faithfully traveled beside him, Smoky, Spade, Major, Bullet, and Buckshot. He was always there to lend a helping hand or forgotten gadget to those along the trail. He loved the trails and the cowboy way of life. A lifelong Christian, Jim was never shy to share his love of Christ with others. In his youth he attended Puckety Presbyterian Church and Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lower Burrell. Upon moving to the Clarion area, he attended services at the Kingsville United Methodist Church in Kingsville, the Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Corsica, and most recently the Pleasant Hill Bible Church in Summerville. Confident in the saving grace of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Jim filled the pulpit at local churches and hosted his own Celebration of Life picnic in July 2024 to share his testimony with family and friends after surviving a serious health event in Dec. 2023. Unfortunately, his July 2025 celebration was cancelled due to his declining health. In addition to Linda, Jim is survived by sons, Ben (Emily) of Corsica and Brad (Linda) of Clarion. He was PaJim to five: grandsons, Corbin and Aiden of Corsica; and granddaughters, Clara, Dana, and Nora of Clarion. The oldest of three boys, Jim is survived by Dave (Sue) and Bob (Gina), all of Lower Burrell. Additionally, he is survived by brother-in-law, Barry (Cindy) Utz of Wexford; and sister-in-law, Bonnie (John) Herold of Seneca, SC. He was "Uncle Jimmy" to Sarah, Alan, Patrick, Ryanne, Theresa, Jon, Ryan, Jamie, Summer, Jen, Chad, Joel, Rob, and Chris. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Dorothy; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chuck and Fifi Utz; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roy and Jan Utz. Arrangements are under the care of CARRIER FUNERAL HOME of Brookville, PA. There will be no visitation. A celebration of life service and meal will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the Pleasant Hill Bible Church, with Pastor Keith Diehl officiating. Interment will be at the Westview Cemetery in Summerville, PA. Memorial donations can be made in Jim's memory to the Pleasant Hill Bible Church, PO Box 233, Summerville, PA 15864. The family would like to thank the staff and personnel at Clarion Dialysis Clinic and Clarion Hospital Intensive Care Unit for the excellent care and compassion they extended to Jim, especially at the end of his life.