James "Jim" Coy

James “Jim” Coy, 81, of Evansville, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020, at his home. He was born February 18, 1939, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Jim graduated from Kansas University and was an avid fan. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed reading, running, playing golf, spending time and eating ice cream with his grandchildren. His career was focused on marketing, advertising and sales and served a multitude of industries. He had career stops at Sign Crafters, American Dairy, Lewis Bakeries, PAR Research, and 10 Adams Advertising. This diverse business background set him up perfectly for his most important career stop when in 1993 he created and founded the beacon group, a not for profit foundation designed to serve small business start-ups as well as many other underprivileged organizations and entities. One of the beacon group’s featured projects was creating a support structure for a hospital in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Over the years several work teams volunteered service and funds to aid in the healthcare of the folks in that community. Jim received many accolades for his work throughout his career including the prestigious “Spirit of St. Vincent Award” for charitable service and the National “Jefferson Award” for public service. Jim served as an active member of the Methodist Temple for over 50 years, teaching Sunday school classes, chairing various committees, and acting as a Lay Leader as well as serving as a delegate to the annual Indiana Methodist conferences. He was also instrumental in starting the Disciple Bible study program. Jim also served on various community and national boards including the YMCA, Boy Scouts, the Evansville Tres Dias community, Rotary, Gilda’s Club, and National Easter Seals. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Dorothy (Duncan) Coy and a sister, Doris. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann (Moncrief) Coy; son, Jay Coy (Heather); daughters, Catherine Deig (Matt) and Debbie Leonard (Dan); grandchildren, Chase and Nash Coy, Amy Wilson (Joe), Lindsey Deig, Grace and Luke Leonard, and a soon to arrive, great grandson, Elijah Matthew Wilson. Due to the national health crisis, especially considering our local explosion of COVID-19 cases, and because many of Jim's distant family members feel it is unsafe to travel at this time, the Memorial Service for Jim Coy on August 7th has been cancelled indefinitely. The family is deeply appreciative of the many messages, in so many forms, of peace and comfort, they have received during these past few weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to Gilda’s Club, The Methodist Temple, or the National Easter Seals Foundation. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.