Obituary of James Herbert Coffman

JAMES H. COFFMAN Retired Camas businessman, James H. Coffman, passed away from cancer on May 14th, 2008 at his home in Camas. Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Missoula, MT on December 1st, 1922. He left Montana when he enlisted in the US Coast Guard the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Coast Guard stationed him at the mouth of the Columbia River and the New York Harbor and upon his discharge in 1946 he returned to the river at Camas. He met Bette, his wife of 63 years, while still stationed near Astoria, OR and they were married in 1944 in Camas where her parents lived. Jim and Bette were co-owners of Henry Maul Auto Parts in Camas and Washougal Auto Parts until their retirement in 1988. Jim was a Camas volunteer fireman and first aid responder for over 25 years, an early member of the Camas Jaycees, the Masonic Lodge, and the Elks Club. Dancing, skiing, and golf were the couples favorite pastimes as they spent all of their time together and drew their children and grandchildren in to these activities to share their loves. After his retirement Jim increased his involvement with golf by serving as a volunteer course marshall at the Skamania Lodge golf course in Stevenson and for the LPGA tournaments held in Portland. Jimâ??s ready smile, teasing, and one liners will be greatly missed by his wife, Bette, children, Penny Guest Jim McGlinn of Washougal and Scott Aleda Coffman of Camas, his 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, his brother, Dick Coffman of Seattle and all of his nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the special caregivers who made his last days so much more comfortable. A memorial service will be held on May 31st at 1:00 PM at Straubâ??s Funeral Home at 325 NE 3rd Ave. in Camas. In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to OHSU Foundation Alzheimerâ??s Research 1121 SW Salmon St. Ste. 200 Portland, OR 97205. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.