James L. Coker

James Lee Coker was born in Franksville, Alabama on February 2, 1930. He was the only son and had 3 three sisters: Rosie Merida (Frankville, Alabama), Daisy Sharp (Columbus, Ohio, deceased) and Minnie Thompson (Frankville, AL, deceased).

He resided in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife and helpmate Shirley Anne (Tanner) Coker. He took pride in taking care of and providing for his bride for nearly 60 years, until his last day. He has two daughters Rhonda Edison (Louisville, KY) and Stella Taylor (Duluth, GA) and his two sons preceded him in death: Jerry Coker (San Diego, CA) and Dwayne Coker (Louisville, KY). His legacy and lineage lives on through 10 grandchildren: Jerry Edison, Cory Nelson, Gerald Edison, ShaKenya Edison, Rashad Holloman, Jessica Taylor, LaKesha Koen, Rashanda Koen, Christopher Koen, Anthony Koen, and 13 great- grandchildren. Through marriage he gained sisters, brothers, and a daughter in love: William D. Merida (deceased), L.D. Herring (deceased), Eddie Sharp, Joyce (Pete) Osborne, Dorothy (Johnny) Miles, Alfred (Annette) Tanner, and Tina Coker. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends to celebrate his life and mourn his loss.

James Lee Coker was a proud Army Veteran (serving in the Korean War) and retired from Merchants Ice and Cold Storage after decades. He loved to exercise, bowl and sing praises unto God. He was a member of the West Chestnut Baptist Church, and served in the Zion Legion Male Choir ministry, where for over 50 years he was faithful in sharing God's grace and mercy through his Son Jesus Christ by worshiping at the hospital through song every Sunday morning before worship service. He was a sharp dresser and always had quick, funny comebacks and sayings. He lived a full and quality life. This husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend will be truly missed by all and forgotten by none.