Obituary of Dr. James Gordon Coleman
To RSVP to attend the Celebration of Life, please click here.
To view the livestream of the service, please click here.
On November 17th, at age 80, Dr. James (Jim) Coleman passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at St. Mary's General Hospital in Kitchener, surrounded by his family. Jim was a loving husband and father, a skilled and caring veterinarian, a wonderful neighbour and friend, and just a truly special person - full of humour, intelligence, generosity, and kindness. He was the person everyone relied on for trusted advice and guidance, regardless of the topic, and a lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan!
No place on Earth was more special to him than his beloved Whitefish Falls/Bay of Islands, from boyhood to his last day's dreams. He loved the natural quiet, the perfect fishing, the gorgeous scenery and breathtaking sunsets. It gave him true inner peace being at the cottage.
He always had a smile and joke for everyone - family, friends, clients, farmers, neighbours, even his early morning grocery check-out ladies at Zehrs.
He is survived by his three daughters Dana, Rhonda O'Neill (Tom) and Michelle; and his two amazing grandchildren, Dylan and Lindsay O'Neill. He will be terribly missed by his brother Bob Coleman and wife Lee, his dear sister-in-law Anne Boniface, many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews in Canada, the U.S., and Japan and their families, and also his dear friend Wilma Benjamins (and Roy). Predeceased by his loving wife and partner of over 54 years Lois Boniface (2014), his brother Ernie Coleman (1994), sisters Catharine Miles (2000) and Charlotte Ryan (1989), his dear brother-in-law and great friend Terry Boniface (2009), and most recently his nephew Jim Boniface (2020).
Whenever anyone asked Jim how he was feeling, he would reply "I'm top of the world", even if he was having a very bad day. Now he truly is free of all earthly pains and burdens and is with Lois again. We will love you and miss you forever Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Jim, Dr. Coleman, Mr. Jim, Jimmie and just plain Jim.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the doctors and especially the nurses who took such good care of Dad during his almost 2 months in hospital (in the ICU and then on the 6th floor). A celebration of Jim's life will take place at a future date.
A celebration of James’ life will take place on Sunday March 27th, 2022, at 1:00 PM at the Erb & Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo. Those attending the service must register online at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
James’ family requests that visitors to the funeral home attending the funeral service wear masks be fully vaccinated. For those unable to attend a livestream of the service can be viewed at www.erbgood.com.
Donations to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.