James Arthur Coan

James A. Coan, 73, of Renton, WA, passed away fighting a severe infection on Sunday, August 8, 2021, in Puyallup, WA. Jim was born on March 23, 1948, in Martin, TN, to Jack and Mildred (Williams) Coan, joining his brother, Jack Jr., a Proud U.S. Army veteran serving in Vietnam 1967-68, as well as a member of the Washington State Army National Guard retiring as a Master Sergeant. He was a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in Washington and Oregon with active membership in the LSAW (Land Surveyors Association of Washington) and NSPS (National Society of Professional Surveyors). Until his retirement, Jim was a Certified Federal Surveyor. Jim’s first passion in the surveying industry began when he was hired in 1984 as an instructor of the Land Surveying course at RVTI, currently Renton Technical College. Seeing many of his students become Professional Land Surveyors was a great source of pride. In addition, he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology – Land Surveying Degree from Renton Technical College in 1996.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ronda, whom he married on August 11, 1984, in Spokane, WA; his children, James Coan, Jr. (Cat Thrasher), Charlottesville, VA; Sandra Coan (Peter Czark), Seattle, WA; Christopher Coan, Mt. Vernon, WA; stepchildren, Corey Blaisdell, Kent, WA; Aaron Blaisdell (Janet), Snohomish, WA. He is also survived by grandchildren Anais Coan; Dexter and Harvey Czark; Lulu and Veronica Coan; Olyver and Adison Blaisdell; his brother Jack Coan, Jr., Atlanta, GA, as well as extended family throughout the US and Canada.

Predeceased by his sister, Lynn Simms (Derek), Beamsville, Ontario. Family was a great source of pride showing them kindness, respect, patience, and a depth of love seldom found.

Jim had a true wanderlust and combined with his love of camping, canoeing, and motorcycling, his bucket list was checked off one-by-one. On his last motorcycle trip in June, he checked off two more ~ motorcycling across Death Valley and taking the train up to Pike’s Peak.

Everyone who knew and loved Jim will forever remember his big smile and kindness towards all. He was a true Gentle Man. He will remain in our hearts forever; and hopefully, we will make him proud as he watches over us.

A private family service was held at Tahoma National Cemetery on September 21, 2021.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 1:00PM-4:00PM, at Renton Technical College, Building I (The Robert Roberts Campus Center) , 3000 NE 4th Street, Renton, WA. Note: Parking behind Building I will be designated for guests unable to manage stairs.

For those who wish to make a donation:

Birdwell Foundation for PTSD; on-line donation at www.Birdwellfoundation.org; Please note the donation should go to “CA Chapter”

LSAW Foundation; Checks payable to: “Jim Coan Memorial Scholarship Fund”; mail to Darin Deehr, LSAW Treasurer, 17825 Charlotte PL SW, Rochester, WA 98579