Racine—Minister James Ronald Coates, 59, departed this life and received his Heavenly reward on Saturday, October 2, 2010.
James was born in Racine, WI on December 15, 1950 to the union of Ruth Eva Maudia (nee: Hamilton) Coates and Bennie Thomas Coates, Sr. On March 3, 1984, he was united in marriage with Kathy Edwards.
James was a certified AODA-3 counselor for various treatment centers for the past 21 years, last serving at Hope Counselors, helping many people get through extremely difficult times in their lives. James was on the steering committee and a volunteer for the Racine County Jail treatment program; coordinator for the Racine Correctional Institute – speakers bureau; and chairman of the Heavy Hitters – Racine Chapter. With a passion for the Lord, Minister James was a proud member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church of Racine under the leadership of Pastor Willie Scott.
Surviving are his loving wife of 26 years, Kathy; mother, Ruth Eva Maudia Coates; children, Saprina Cheri Coates, Jermaine Paul Coates, Traci Lynette Wilson and Cassandra Chanel Fry; 8 grandchildren; 4 brothers; 4 sisters; along with a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and devoted friends. James was preceded in death by his father, Bennie Thomas Coates, Sr.
Homegoing services will be celebrated on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 11 am in Greater Grace Temple, 522 N. Memorial Dr., with Rev. Willie Scott officiating. Burial will take place on Sunday at 1 pm in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens– Mounds, IL. Visitation will be in Greater Grace Temple on Friday evening from 5-7 pm and on Saturday from 10-11 am.
Special thanks to Tony Earl, Stanley & Alisha McKenzie, William Ford, John Kidd, Mary Bryant, Mary Carter, Shirley Billingsley, Lisa Young, Dr. Kennedy, Wheaton Franciscan Hospice, Pastor Scott and the Christian Faith Family Church.
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