Dr. James Arthur Coleman was born September 29, 1929 to Arthur Coleman and Codella (Jones) Coleman in Jefferson, Texas. He graduated from this life peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at his home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eddie and Fred Coleman and sisters, Gladys, Weatherall, Della Mae Theus, Murline Gastone and Claudean Coleman.
He was raised on his family owned land and worked on the farm with his six siblings. He learned his strong work ethic from working on his family farm and when he got older, at the mill not too far from his home. The land in Jefferson, Texas is still owned by the Coleman family to this day.
In 1946, at the age of seventeen he enlisted in the military where he served for 9 years. During that time worked in the Medical Department for the United States Army, where he earned a Neuropsychiatric Technician certificate in 1950. He became a LPN in 1954. While serving in the military, he fully committed his life to Jesus Christ. The Lord spoke to him and told him to be a “good soldier for Him.” He was called into ministry and he answered the call. After answering his call to ministry, he received an honorable discharge and was led to come to Portland, Oregon to pursue his ministry calling. He worked at the VA Hospital while attending Pacific Bible College, which later became Warner Pacific College. He was an honor roll student with a 4.0 gpa. He earned a BA degree in Theology at Warner Pacific College in 1961 and his ministry Ordination in 1968. He continued his pursuit in higher education and earned a Master’s in Education from Oregon State University in 1972. In 1974 he was certified as a chaplain with the American Protestant Hospital Association. In 2006 he received an honorary “Doctorate of Divinity” from Warner Pacific College.
In 1959, the young aspiring minister attended Metropolitan Church of God (now known as Maranatha Church) where he met his Ms. Minnie, who was singing beautifully for the Lord. They were united in marriage in 1961. They raised four children and spent many years deeply devoted to the Lord, to each other and their growing family. Dr. Coleman was competitive and loved a good challenge. He was a skilled chess player and a master strategist when it came to dominos. It was easy to recognize his greatest love was for the Lord and ministry. He had a deep love and care for the souls of people and was known for opening his home to help those in need. No one would leave his presence without hearing about the Lord.
Dr. Coleman was a faithful minister who served in several churches before founding Fellowship Church of God in 1977. He was also a Chaplain at Legacy Emanuel Hospital for 21 years. He retired from the pastorate after 18 years and passed the baton to his son in law, Steven Holt. Even after retiring from the pastorate, he continued to be a strong supporter of the ministry. He would counsel, pray, teach bible classes and assist wherever he was needed. He served on the credentials committee for the Churches of God in Oregon and SW Washington for many years and was looked to for his strong leadership and wise counsel. His love for the Lord and his passion for the Word of God was undeniable. He preached countless sermons, taught numerous bible studies and classes, and mentored many ministers. After his retirement, he continued to teach at North Portland Bible College for many years. He was a consummate bible scholar, who had a special love for teaching the Old Testament. Dr. Coleman was widely known as “the walking Bible.” Whenever someone had questions regarding the scriptures, the response was often “ask Dr. Coleman.” Even as his health declined, he continued to study, counsel, pray and share the God’s word with others.
Dr. James Arthur Coleman was a loving husband, an awesome father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Minnie; brother Tommy Lee Coleman (Mae), sons Anthony Butler of Atlanta, GA and Vincent Coleman (Tanya) of Tampa, FL; daughters Valencia Green of Portland, OR and Aundria Holt (Steven) of Portland, OR; 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He kept his promise to be a good soldier for the Lord and he was faithful unto the end.
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” Matthew 25:21
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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