Jim Coan, at the young age of 101, died yesterday.
At the time of his death, Jim and his lovely wife, Jerree' were doing what they enjoyed most; spending time together, while on a hiatus, in the mountains.
As a free lance corporate trainer and public speaker, Mr Coan taught in a variety of commerces, from small town America to large corporations. What he was truly known for, was teaching life. "He was amazing," recalled Lynse Palin-Johnson, great granddaughter of beloved former President Sarah Palin; "You just learned. I could sit there and just absorb, all day. I do believe what he had was a God-given gift."
Mr. Coan, taught children and grandchildren of former students. He kept in touch with many students and instantly remembered those whom he ran into years later. All who addressed him as Mr. Coan, always got the jovial response; “Call me Jim. Mr. Coan is my father.”
Jim's contributions are more than just a formidable legacy of teaching and speaking. They also include substantial contributions to the world, as we know it. He was known in Capital Hill as 'The Ambassador'. He strove to build bridges between government regulators and the general public. When asked which party he was affiliated with, Jim always responded; “Every days a party, when you're around!”
He will be mourned by all. When asked of his friends, Jim, is remembered, by being a tremendous story teller, that you would completely loose track of time, as you hung on his every word. But when you were in a time of need, Jim would turn the table and hang on your every word. He way always available, when you needed him. He was a true friend.
Jim met the former Jerree' Wilburn, online and they were married Oct 16, 1999, and reared two children. He celebrated their anniversary every month of their marriage. "He counted our marriage by months," Jerree' said. "Today would have been 816 months. Quite often, he would surprise me with a gift or a trip someplace special."
Jim is survived by his immediate family, Wife Jerree', Son David Wilburn and Daughter Ellen Wilburn, as well as, everyone that he touched. Those that had contact with him, indicated that Jim treated and made you feel as you were part of his family.
Jim always claimed that he would never finish life regretting not having done something. He lived his motto:
"'Life is not a journey, to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely in a pretty
and well preserved body,
but rather dance the entire way,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming,
"WOW! What an adventure!"
In parting, Jim has expressed that he would like to share the following...
The world would be a better place if people would recognize that despite differences of beliefs, values, opinions that each person is seen by themselves as an intricate value and what you say and do, has a direct effect of who others turn out to be in life.
Jim would like to change the world in regards to that people work with an open mind; Realizing that what they know is only one side of the story.
I want my students to be aware of their impact on society and the people they come in contact with and make sure that every step made has a positive intention.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given, in memory of 'Ambassador Jim', to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
2 comments:
Jim’s Obituary-
I was saddened to hear of the passing of such a career educator. Jim will be missed by all of us, that he came in contact with.
Your heritage of education was evident in your contributions that you listed. I liked the touch of you teaching “children and grandchildren of former students.” I see this as evidence that your style of education is one that is received well and understood by students of all ages.
You touched on your ability as being a storyteller. It’s those stories that can resonate with learners. A good story, used properly, can reinforce the materials being covered in class. It gives the learners an opportunity to relate those class lessons with a real life experience. It is when you are able to accomplish this, that true learning occurs.
I enjoyed the touch of romance with the monthly anniversaries. Although we have spoken many times about your son, David, I was surprised to hear of your daughter, Ellen.
I see that you look for your learners to be well rounded individuals, capitalizing on the entire learning experience, not just the “corporate” side of things. You mentioned, in closing, “I want my students to be aware of their impact on society and the people they come in contact with and make sure that every step made has a positive intention.”
This is also expressed in your “Pay it Forward” approach to life. You speak of successful learners to be students of life. In their need to be well rounded in life yet be safe in knowing that there is nothing wrong in asking for assistance.
Jim,
It is clearly evident through your obituary that you care a great deal about your family. I also see you as being someone who is a mediator of sorts, bringing people together, trying to find common ground and respect between people, even nations. I find it commendable that you are so apt at remembering your former students. This surely communicates to your former students how important they were, and still are, to you. I believe that you see your work as benefiting individuals, but also with concern for societal well-being and peace.
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