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BORN
1953
DIED
2024
James Coakley Obituary
He moved to Alexandria, VA in 1976 to work with Time-Life Books before joining Leggat, McCall & Werner as an office broker in 1981. He took a job with the Trammell Crow office before leaving in 2000 to focus on the development of high-density data centers. Ranked among the Top 20 Brokers Nationwide six times in his career, he was selected as the Washington DC Association of Realtors "Broker of the Year" in 1991. He developed Prince William County Virginia's first retail data center in 2009 using a unique Green design that foresaw the coming need for high density, high efficiency computer environments and was recognized by Washingtonian magazine as a 2011 Tech Titan.
His greatest feat in life, he said, was convincing his hazel-eyed, red-headed wife, Lisa, to marry him and raise a family of three children.They in turn, delivered seven very entertaining and beloved grandchildren. According to Jim, grandchildren are the ultimate reward for living life by the rules, when possible.
Active with the Washington, DC Association of Realtors, Carpenters Shelter and Historic Christ Church, in Alexandria, VA, he was a member of the Metropolitan Club of Washington D.C., Mount Vernon Country Club and the Alexandria Masters Swim Team. He was a founding member of Fairfield University's Lacrosse program and an avid fly fisherman. And while he was an 'okay golfer,' his quick wit and ready smile turned even disastrous outings into highly amusing adventures for all.
Above all, he was very proud to be part of the sprawling Coakley/Shanahan family and credits his beloved brothers and sisters and cousins for all he is today, both the good and the bad. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lisa (Greenbaum); JP (Lauren Knapp); Elliot (Ashley Middleton); Alice (Nick Currie), and they, in turn, seven beautiful grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Jim hopes folks will plant a tree and/or work to protect old growth forests.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 15, 2024 at Christ Church, 118 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Coakley
Barry Stauffer
December 20, 2024
Jim was a friend and a great asset to Christ Church. We could always count on him to pitch in for critical tasks.
Susan Lyons
June 21, 2024
Jimmy was the very best-funny and kind. My heart goes out to Lisa and the family.
Figen Ciftci
June 18, 2024
My condolences to Dosie Raymond,
Figen Ciftci
Tim McEvoy. Cranwell class of '70
June 17, 2024
To Lisa and Jim's family, my sincere condolences.
Doreen Reilly & Olivier Lotterie
June 13, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. We didn´t know Jimmy a long time but he sure left his mark. Always a smile and a lot of fun. My common bond was we were both number 7 of nine children and his love for Ireland. RIP Jimmy.
Philippe Lanier
June 10, 2024
Jim was my first boss at the age of 16. He taught me the meaning of being punctual and always maintaining a sense of humor. 30 years later and somehow he has never changed in my mind and will be sorely missed in our community
Evan Wallach
June 4, 2024
Jim, we will miss you always. Love Evan
Figen Ciftci
June 4, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chris & Maude
June 3, 2024
Chris & Maude
June 3, 2024
Chris & Maude
June 3, 2024
Chris & Maude
June 3, 2024
Chris & Maude
June 3, 2024
Chris & Maude
June 3, 2024
We Love You Jimmy and keep Your Smile always in our heart.
The R E Bruchs Family
May 30, 2024
Very sorry for the loss of a member of a great Youngstown family.
Remember great times at the CYC and the Last Tango in YoTo.
The Coakleys were a wonderful family to grow up with.
Sincerely,
R E Bruchs
Joseph Cullen
May 29, 2024
Again, sending all our love hugs for Jimmy and family , planting many Trees in his memory ! God Speed Jimmy !! Love all the Cullens
Eric Keber
May 29, 2024
Jimmy, I know that now you are free of pain and Our Lord has a brand new body for you. Keep that infectious smile with you always. I´m sending prayers to your family.
Dave and Mercedes Gilliom
May 28, 2024
Dear Lisa, JP, Elliot, Alice and family,
David and I are deeply sorry that you have lost Jim. We know that you all must have been going through a very tough time together since Jim became ill.
May you take comfort in all the love you share at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mercedes and Dave Gilliom
Pam T
May 28, 2024
JP, so sorry to hear of your loss. I just wanted you to know we are thinking of you. Sending you love and hugs from a far. Pam and Rich Traeger
Bernard Weberman
May 28, 2024
My wife Rachelle and I first met Lisa and Jim in 1981 in a LaMaze class as we each prepped for out first child's birth, and we both arrived at Georgetown Hospital for the delivery of J.P. and Melissa on the same day. Then, our children attended Burgundy Farm Country Day School together. Many years later, In 2010, when my (now late) wife Rachelle was feeling very low having been laid off from her job in the midst of the great recession, Jim saved Rachelle by helping her get a terrific consulting job in her field.
We are all so sorry for the premature loss of this kind and great man.
Elaine Schott
May 26, 2024
Jimmy was a once in a lifetime young man, father, and grandfather. He found the good in everyone and everything. I didn't spend much time with him during my adult years, but we sure had some runtimes in high school and college. HE came to watch my daughter show in Washington one year and his take on horseshoeing through the non horse show person's eye was marvelous. I remember his detailed description like it was yesterday, We will all miss him. I will honor him every day and while we are planting 500 maples and fern trees, I will also honor him.
Dan Leach
May 26, 2024
I knew Jim from Cranwell. When one thinks of good people in their lives, a guy like Coakley should come to mind. He was a class act. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Noelle Vitt
May 26, 2024
To Lisa and all
What a grand fellow- such a loss but life well lived.
Love Noelle
Carl Trop
May 26, 2024
Carl Trop
May 26, 2024
Carl Trop
May 26, 2024
I had the privilege and pleasure to partner with Jim this past decade. His presence will be sorely missed.
Brian Flanagan
May 26, 2024
Good man, remember him fondly from growing up in Youngstown
Hap and Barb, Anne and Brian Harrington
May 25, 2024
Jim was one of the most positive youth coaches I ever observed. He was instrumental in developing our son Brian's love of lacrosse and leadership abilities. Rest in peace Jim. You made a difference and left your mark.
Shauna de Brun
May 25, 2024
Every moment with Jim was either funny or insightful or philosophical or all three. Loved Jim from the first time I met him with Lisa. Enjoyed his time with us in Mexico City, Natchez and Virginia. A prince of a man whose love of life and people will never be forgotten. Love from Shauna, Brendan and Kieran de Brun
PGH
May 25, 2024
Coakley,
Was a friend to so many, industry luminary, genuine, smart, dedicated and a visionary that everyone should aspire to be like.
RIP Coakley you made us all a little better today than the day before.
Prayers for the entire Coakley family and his friends.
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