James Coatney

JAMES H. “JIM” COATNEY, 68, of Arcola, IL passed away at 6:29 P.M., Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, October 16, 2017 at the First Baptist Church 1804 South 9th St., Mattoon, IL.  Rev. Dennis Strawn will officiate.  Burial will be in the Arcola Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola, and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Jim was born on December 9, 1948 in Louisville, IL.  He was a son of James Leroy and Geneva (Griffy) Coatney.  He married Loretta Veith on December 29, 1968 at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Bible Grove, IL.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Coatney of Arcola, one son, Jarrod Coatney and his wife Brandi of Sparks, NV, one daughter, Sarah Hopkins and her husband Chad of Arcola, three granddaughters, Cora Coatney of Toledo, and Ella and Eva Hopkins of Arcola, two sisters, Jean Coatney of Kelso, WA, and Cheryl Handshy and her husband Gary of San Jose, CA, and one uncle, Howard Griffy and his wife Sharon of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws.

Jim graduated from North Clay Community High School in Louisville, IL in 1966.  He then attended Olney Central College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University.

After graduation Jim taught Math in the Tuscola School District for seven years where he also coached Jr. High Boys Basketball and Track.  In 1980 Jim went to work at Lyondell Basell where he retired in 2008 with 28 years of service.

Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mattoon and a charter member and Co-Founder of the Dismal Creek Hunting Club in Clay County.

He enjoyed deer hunting, spending time with his family, and he was very involved with all of his granddaughters’ activities. He was their number one fan.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mattoon.