James Coakley Obituary

Mr. Coakley I am so fortunate to have known you and to learn from you. They broke the mold after you.

You have had the greatest effect on me. Out of all the teachers and professors that I have had throughout the years, you reign supreme.

As a history and drafting instructor at St. Mary’s, you did get through to me. You did get through.
Who knew that later on in life I would find your picture, framed it and place it on my drafting table, as if you were still guiding me.

I hope that your legacy will live on in all those you touched.

I remember seeing Mr. Coakley in the morning when I came into work here at PPCC. I would see him and his van parked in the lot and always wondered what he was going to do with all of those papers he had stacked in his van! I would also see him outside walking around and talking to students. You could tell he really loved his job. He was a good man and he will be missed here at PPCC.

Mr. Coakley taught me many things, and one of those was the value of a dollar. We had an experiment running one time here at Rampart Range Campus. Mr. Coakley had noticed a penny on the sidewalk on his way into the building one morning. He told me, "Let's wait and see how long it takes for someone to pick that up." We waited for two days! Every time I find a penny on the ground, I think of Mr. Coakley. Now that he is gone, when I see a penny on the sidewalk, I pick it up and I know he is looking down on me and telling me to save my pennies for a rainy day. Thank you, Mr. Coakley, for everything.
You are greatly missed.

Jim was a special person to me. He was always joking. Often he would bring me magaznes and books on historical issues we were both interested in. Our standing joke was "when are we going for lunch?" Jim was always outside in the smoking area when I arrived for my first class and, since our schedules rarely meshed, we didn't get a chance for the last couple of semesters. I will miss Jim. I still see him sitting at the picnic table with the students.

I just learned of Mr. Coakley's departure and I can’t begin to express how sad and heartbreaking it was to receive this painful notice!
As a European I never much cared for American history; that is until I had the utmost pleasure and honor of taking Mr. Coakley’s U.S. History class. He brought history to life in a way I’d never seen before! This wonderful teacher always paid careful attention to historical details and would vividly bring them to life with his catching narratives; he would also always show the multiple perspectives from which history could be viewed. Thanks to the Major I developed a true understanding and love for the American chronicle. Mr. Coakley devoted himself entirely to his pupils with true passion and dedication and I will forever hold him dear to my heart.

Always the gentleman, always the scholar, friend and teacher. I will miss seeing you in the halls and in the courtyard, and I will especially miss your stirring rendition of "On Flanders Field" on this coming Veterans Day at PPCC. Thank you Jim the Elder.

Mr. Coakley we are so lucky to have known you. You will always be remembered and treasured in the hearts of so many people. Thank you!

Mr Coakley was my Mechanical Drawing and American History instructor at St Mary's in the early 1970's. His good humor and encyclopedic knowledge on a variety of subjects always made these classes an enjoyable experience. I remember him as a first-class gentleman and a great teacher.

Thank you Mr. Coakley for the example you gave us. You made learning fun and was always a positive and pleasant person to be around and work with. You will always be remembered as an educator that gave us the love of learning.

Our Condolences Your Exneighbor on Logan Av.

Mrs.Coakley, Margaret, Alice and Patricia,

I was so saddened to learn of Mr. Coakley's death. As I read the many

letters in tnis guest book, it's obvious how well-loved and respected

he was as an educator. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to know him in

that respect (especially since I'm now a teacher), only as a neighborhood dad. My parents have sent me numerous articles and newspaper clippings of him over the years, usually in a Boy Scout uniform with a flag. The one thing I vividly remember about him was his copy of "High Flight" hanging on the wall. It was the first time I had seen it; since then, I've given a copy to my son, a lieutenant in the Air Force. Please know that you are all in my prayers.

Mr. Coakley

I have fond memories of you from Camp Alexander 1975 to 1981. You gave me alot of advice when we were staff members at Camp Alexander. I still remember you flag and history presentations. You will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy to Mr. Coakley's family.



Eagle Scout Troop 123

U.S. Navy Retired

A few years back I was a Cub Scout leader and did that for three years. My favorite memory of being a scout leader was when my boys attended Mr. Coakley's Flag Presentation. My scouts sat there motionless with a sparkle in their little eyes,that was priceless. Mr. Coakley was a very special man to so many people both young and old.



Go Mr. Coakley, the Lord awaits you!

Mr. Coakley,

I only met you back in May, but I spent the summer researching names in history as we discussed them, reading books and articles you passed my way, or just sitting with you and listening to your fascinating stories about your own life or the lives of others that have gone before us. I guess you've joined them now. I am honored to have met you and shared even a little piece of life with you. May God bless your family in your absence.

Dear Mr. Coakley,

There were so many things I never had the chance to say to you. You were so many things to me that I foolishly never told you. I tell you now; for I know somewhere you are listening. You are one of the most remarkable men I have ever met. I have always loved history, yet somehow you made me love it even more. You reawakened the fires of interest in me. Not only that but you became my role model. When the day comes that I am standing in front of my own students if I can be half as successful and half as loved as you I will have been blessed. Have no doubt history students for generations to come will hear stories of sweet old Mr. Coakley. In some ways you truly will live forever. You were a mentor, an inspiration, a grandfather, and a blessing to us all. You were loved, will always be loved. You are missed, and I will never forget you.

Chris Beasley

Mr. Coakley has inspired countless students with his vast knowledge of our country and our amazing heritage. He taught from the heart. It has been 8 years since I first had him as a history teacher, yet every time I've seen him since then, he has always remembered me and asked how I am. He was always so encouraging. His memory lives on the the numberless lives he so thoughtfully and fully touched.

Tim Barta I always injoyed seeing MrCoakly in the Hall he always new how to make me laugh I will miss him my prayers go to the family.

Rita, It hardly seems possible that this college can keep on standing without Mr. Coakley here. It was so nice to come in of a morning and see him sitting in the kitchen area and sharing his wealth of experience with anyone there. I enjoyed our early morning conversations so much and the school seems somehow empty without his friendly "Hi, how you doing?" It seems each time I've come into work in the early hours, that he is there, checking on all of us, at least I'd like to think so. We'll miss him.

Frankly it is hard for me to find the words to express what Jim Coakley meant to me. As a teacher, he was my inspiration; as a colleague, he was a mentor to me; as a friend, he was always willing to listen and help me. Jim had always told me: "The good die young. Do you know what that means Glenn? I will live forever." Jim will always live forever in our hearts as a great man.

I am very sorry to hear that Jim has passed on. I first met Jim when I started working at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and he was volunteering his valuble time teaching local history to visiting school children as a Museum Docent. In later years, I had the fortunate opportunity to have Jim as my U.S. History professor at PPCC (both courses) when I went back to school to get my History degree.

Jim has been a great mentor and inspiration to me for all these years, since having first met him in 1989. I would love to use his style of teaching if and when I'm fortunate enough to teach in the future. Thanks Jim for all of your insite and valued advice and for your frendship, both at the Museum as well as at PPCC. I'm sorry I was never able to find that Teddy Roosevelt speech regarding the "Hypenated-American" that you wished you could find. Maybe T R can recite it for you now in Heaven where you both are. God's Speed Jim!

Fly on high my old friend. I know many of us will miss you. I for one will never forget you.

Jim,

The first time I ever saw your stooped, slow, yet vigorous, determined figure shuffling its way toward class, I wondered who you were and how you did it and how long you could keep on doing it, looking as you did even then, as old as Methuselah. That was fifteen years ago. During those years I came to know you in passing and through others' colorful accounts of you, and came to understand what kept you going: an immense passion for and curiosity about life. Pneumonia must be potent if it was able to extinguish your intense earthly flame. I believe you burn elsewhere now, and I will always remember you, especially when I am shopping at the store we both loved, Goodwill. Thanks for the wood bowls you snagged for me there and for capturing my, and so many others', imaginations.

I only had the pleasure of knowing Mr Coakley at PPCC for the past three years, but as fellow old warriors and airlift Navigators, we quickly formed a special friendship. I so enjoyed our morning chats and nostalgia sessions over the Air Force and his teaching me flag history. I regret we didn't have time to finish the "class." In a short time, I have learned so much -- thanks Jim, I will miss you and I salute for your service to our country and to so many students. My sincerest condolences go to the entire Coakley family.

Jim, you added the spice in our little corner of the world at PPCC. Your cheery hellos and impish comments will be greatly missed.

My sincere sympathy goes out to the entire Coakley family. My husband David Lee(deceased)was a Scout Master and had several conversations with Jim up at Camp Alexander. Also, my sons Chad and Daron have very fond memories of him at Camp Alexander. He will be greatly missed.I currently work at Pikes Peak Community College and will miss seeing him around the campus.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I would only know him from once we had lunch together,in passing in the hallways and in the cafe of PPCC. I was impressed from all he had done with his life. I thought of him as a gutsy type of man.

Mr. Coakley, I remember the day I received a large donation of books (many years ago)about the military, war ships and various other books I knew you would like. When I saw you walking down the hall I asked if you knew anyone who could use these types of books. You referenced all the people who would like a copy of the book and said you would hand them out to various military personnel. I will miss walking the halls at PPCC and not have you to talk to about life, politics, war and of course the flag. I miss you already. I know now I have one more angel to watch over me. God bless your family.

To Jims family: I first met Jim when he came to me in the auto shop at the college with a problem with his Chevy van. I have no idea what year that was, but it's been several. I fixed it in no time, and ever since then he called me his "personal" mechanic. He would always make a point to stop by while I was teaching automotive just to say hi and that his van was still running well. I miss Jim coming by just to say HI. Jim Coakley touched my life, and for that I will forever be grateful!!!

Joe Magnuson

PPCC Automotive

Mr. Coakley was a rock, an institution and a great man. I loved him and considered him a friend. He would sit by my desk when he was here and tell me stories. He knew what comics to give me and when. I will miss him and he holds a place in my heart. Thank you Mr. Coakley.



Katherine (Kathy Ann) Lanoue

Admin. II @ PPCC, Centennial Campus

I would hear Mr. Coakley coming down the hall towards the Fitness Center early in the morning when no one was around except for us and public safety. I would wait for him at the door so we could chat before he went off in the elevator. He was a very nice man. I use to tease him about eating fast food when his wife was visiting his daughter and he use to say that he could make the best meal I've ever tasted out of a pound of hamberger. I was holding him to it! He will be missed.



Dawn Souza (PPCC)

Mr. Coakley embodied the spirit of education, whether it was history, flag ettiquette, or obscure trivia. He shared his passion for knowledge with all. Many lives have been enriched by knowing him and he will be sorely missed by all at Pikes Peak Community College.

Dear Mr. C.,

I know you are teaching someone about history and telling stories even now! So many people at PPCC miss you and honor you, and have learned from you. You have left quite a legacy! I will always be glad that you told me you wanted to teach until you could not do it anymore. I was fortunate that I happened to be your "boss" so I could be part of making that happen, for your sake and especially for students' sakes.

Mr. Coakley, You were a great history teacher at PPCC. I loved coming to your class. I remember one day outside you told me to pick up a penny on the ground. You said that people no longer appreciate the worth of a penny. I picked the penny up and I now find a penny very important. I promise, sometime soon, I will go to the mining museum, and when I do, I will have you in my mind. You were a great teacher, and I will always remember you and your class.

Nicole Miller

Jim, you were the best, when it came to America's flags you knew everything. Over the years you and I traded information on Betsy Ross, you didn't beleive she had anything to do with the first flag and I did. I will treasure the cartoons, and books on Betsy Ross you gave me over the years. Thank you for being a part of my life.

You will be sorely missed, Mr. Coakley. You not only taught me Civics in grade school, but you taught me drafting, & american history in high school. You were also a big part of my life in the Boy Scouts. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. May God hold you close and rest in peace...

Mr. Coakley was an incredible teacher and inspiration at St. Marys. He was a postive example to all that he taught there. He instructed my son at Camp Alexander and was wonderful with all of the boys. His passing is truly a loss to all of us. I thank him for all he did.

Mr. Coakley, you will be missed. You had a wealth of knowledge when it came to the American flag. I enjoyed your American flag burning ceremonies, knowing that we have to show proper respect to the American flag. I have been with the Boy Scouts of America for over 16 years. My sympathy goes out to your family.

Thank you Mr. Coakley.

Mr. Coakley you will be missed. I had you as a teacher at St. Mary's and have never forgot your work ethic. I admire you for your caring touch when it came to education, you truely cared about us, you did. You took pride in your work, something that a teenager in school does not forget, pride, work ethic. You gave it to us and we carry it on to others. You will be missed by many. I'll pray your name on my rosary, that's the very least I can do for someone who cared so much. May God Bless your soul Mr. Coakley. Your friend in Christ.



Pete

Mr Coakley, was a great Boy Scout and the years spent at Camp Alexander down at the shooting range with mr coakley were the best summers of my life.

Tim Hickey

Razorback, NSW Australia.

Mr. Coakley was my favorite teacher at St. Mary's High school in the early to mid 70's. His Air Force stories were fascinating and entertaining. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ralph Hawkins, OKC, OK ('75).

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mr. Coakley made "History" fun, and by far my favorite subject at St. Mary's H.S.! He also taught us about life. Mr. Coakley taught us how to act in a dignified manner and treat people with respect. He was a true leader in more ways than one!



Respectfully, Jess Souza

St. Mary's H.S. "Class of 1975"

USAFA Dept of Athletics

Mr. Coakley was my inspiration in college. The best History teacher I had ever had. The knowledge and life skills this man had were amazing. Mr Coakley let me teach his class while he was out one day starting my road to a teaching career at 32 years old. I loved this man and told everyone how great he was. I am sad to see him go I hoped my sons would get to be taught by this amazing man. I will miss you Mr. Coakley with your funny suspenders, cool articles and great stories.I know your in a great place where nobody cares how old you are. Goodbye to a great friend and mentor. I will see you on the other side.