Born June 21, 1949 in Texas, he was the son of Roland and Catherine (Alexander) Coy. He was a graduate of Ben Davis High School.
James was a bus driver for the Indianapolis Bus company for several years. He had previously served as a fireman with Wayne Township Fire Department.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Delight Ann (Rouse) Coy; grandson Stephen Whitinger III; brother Mark Coy; and sister Hannah Jill Coy.
James is survived by his son James T. Coy; daughter Rebekah Whitinger (Timothy Bland); sister Jan Lantz; grandchildren Madalyn Whitinger, Kenley Coy, Jacob (Tori) Whitinger and Justin Bland; and two great grandchildren.
A celebration will be held by the family at a later date.
