John (Jay) Coleman, 65, of Waynesboro, VA passed away on Monday, November 5th, 2018 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Iris Coleman; as well as many other dead relatives. Whether they will own up to it or not, he is survived by his family members. His wife Kathy, he was honored to be her husband for 46 years. As John would say, she loved him dearly despite his many flaws. Also left to cherish his memory are his sons, Marshall and Cory; as well as his siblings Tom, Tim, and Tammy; grandchildren, Jacob and Maggie. Kathy, their two sons, and his grandchildren anchored his life.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Brittany Anderson and her children Briley and Camden, Alli Brewer, Greg Brown and John Hunter. John loved them all and they were part of his family. Also thank you to his expansive care team at MCV Hospital, Hospice of the Shenandoah, and to their loving family from Bridge Christian Church.
John was born in Hampton, VA on May 27, 1953 and raised in Lynchburg, VA. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1971 and attended Virginia Tech where he was part of the Corps of Cadets. John received an A.A.S. in engineering from Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg. Due to John’s work with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) they moved to Waynesboro, VA in 1982. John spent 40 years with VDOT where he retired as the State Bridge Safety Inspection Engineer. He spent 30 years volunteering with the Red Cross as an instructor trainer and 25 years with the Cub Scouts as a Cubmaster for Pack 73. John was an avid magician, not to bamboozle but to bring laughter and wonder to the world. He also spent many years sharing his joy for Christmas as Santa Claus for many children. He had a heart for Love In The Name of Christ (Love INC) where he volunteered in several different roles. Most recently John was proud to serve as an elder at Bridge Christian Church.
A celebration of his life will be conducted at Bridge Christian Church, 1275 Goose Creek Rd., Fishersville, VA on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Bridge Christian Church Memorial Fund in honor of John.
All are invited to share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
In the words of John, and to paraphrase Monty Python one of his favorite comedy groups: “John Coleman is dead, he is no more, he is bereft of life, he rests in peace. He has rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. He has expired and gone to meet his maker. TADA!!
