John Thornton "Jody" Coleman

JOHN THORNTON "JODY" COLEMAN, 67 of Elk Hills, WV departed this life surrounded by his family and close friends on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He fought a tough yet courageous battle with prostate cancer, and many related complications, for nearly three years and is no longer in pain.
He was 1975 graduate of South Charleston High School. He began his career at Parco Steel, then his father's Texaco Station, and finally at Rim and Wheel Service where he remained for 30 years until they closed operations in WV. His last 13 years in the workforce were spent at Fleet Pride. He was a parts salesman, and widely known in the trucking and heavy equipment maintenance industry as the "John the parts man." Prior to computer technology taking over, which he despised, he knew hundreds of part numbers by heart and mechanics knew just who to call for that hard-to-find part they needed.
He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren (earning his beloved title of "Poppy"), and family. He loved to cook, and secretly loved to hear people tell him how delicious whatever he had prepared that day tasted. He also loved anything outside from weekends at Summersville Lake or Elkland Pool to hunting season in Pocahontas or Mason County to a walk in the woods with his first grandchild, Carter, and one of many dogs. He loved racing, and really anything with a motor: cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, boats, jet skis, even rollercoasters - he just wanted to go fast!
He was proceeded in death by his wife of 42 years Kimberly Coleman, parents Harry "Jay" Coleman Jr. and Virginia "Anne" Coleman, brother Michael Coleman, brothers-in-law Bill Hale and Rodney Nelson, sisters-in-law Arvilla "Jo" Hale and Diana "Gail" Garnett, and several dogs with whom he shared a special bond.
He is survived by his son Jonathan (Suzy) Coleman, daughter Rachael (Cody) Wheeler, grandchildren Carter Wheeler, Aiden Rainey, Reese Rainey, and Lakyn Kay, brother Chris (April) Coleman, and cousin, who was more like a brother and lifelong best friend William "Bill" (Mary) Salisbury. His faithful dog Lucy, stayed by his side until the end.
Dad's wish was to remain at home, thankfully we were able to honor that wish, but not without the special people who made that possible: First and foremost, Mom, who was not only his wife, but also his caregiver, appointment scheduler, and medication manager until the night before she left us. Grandson, Carter Wheeler; neighbors, Cindy Moore and Zach Eskew; cousins Bill and Mary Salisbury; Caregiver, Vicky Thomas; and Hospice Care WV. While he was only a Hospice patient for a few days prior to his passing, their entire staff were the most wonderfully compassionate people on Earth. Prior to transitioning into Hospice Care he was under the watchful eye of their Palliative Care side and we would like to recognize Celeste Goodnight, FNP for her wonderful care of Dad, making sure his every need was quickly taken care of.
John's wishes were to be cremated and he asked that his ashes be spread where his former dogs are buried and at Summersville Lake, where countless summers were spent with family and friends (a small service will be planned there this summer).
A memorial service to honor John's life, led by Chaplain Philip Shaffer, will be held at Hafer Funeral Home (50 North Pinch Road Elkview, WV) on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 5 p.m. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests you consider donating, in John's memory, to Hospice Care WV (1606 Kanawha Blvd. West Charleston, WV 25387).
Online condolences may be sent to haferfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, WV 25071.