James Joseph Coolican

Colonel James J. Coolican, a highly decorated and dedicated United States Marine Corps veteran, passed away peacefully on 25 October 2024, at the age of 85. Colonel Coolican leaves behind a legacy of valor, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his country and to his family.

Born on 31 March 1939 in Carbondale, PA, James J. “Jim” Coolican grew up with a profound sense of duty and patriotism, leading him to a distinguished career in the Marine Corps followed by a second career as superintendent of schools in Gig Harbor, Washington. Jim is survived by his loving family, including his wife Jean, with whom he recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary, his children Maria and Michael (Stacey, sons John and Dale), four grandchildren–Shay, Casey, Liam, and Mary Katharine–who cherish the memory of a noble man who became known as “Gramps” to everyone.

Jim earned a scholarship to play basketball at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and played from 1958-60 under the legendary head coach Jack Ramsey. While at St. Joe’s, Jim studied theology and psychology. He was somewhat devastated that both his son, Michael, and his granddaughter, Mary Katharine, chose to attend his cross-town rival, Villanova University!

Colonel Coolican's illustrious military career spanned over 30 years, during which he excelled in various critical roles. His service history is marked by extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism, epitomized by his receipt of the Navy Cross, the second-highest military decoration for valor in the United States. The commendation from the President of the United States reads as follows:

Navy Cross

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Vietnam War

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Captain

Division: Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

GENERAL ORDERS:

Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain James Joseph Coolican (MCSN: 0-79762), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in action in the city of Hue, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. In the early morning hours, without warning, the enemy assaulted simultaneously all positions of the Hue Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Compound perimeter with 122-mm. and B-40 rockets, mortar and intense small-arms fire. Captain Coolican, with disregard for his own safety, dashed 150 meters through the hail of exploding enemy rounds to a guard post where he moved four wounded personnel to the dispensary. Within a short time, the enemy scored a direct hit on a 20-foot tower, mortally wounding the guard. Quickly, Captain Coolican ran to the tower under heavy enemy fire, recovered the wounded man and carried him down the ladder to an awaiting stretcher. After this, he returned to the tower guard post where he silenced the enemy with a fierce blanket of M-79 grenade fire. At daybreak, because of the critical condition of two wounded men, an emergency air medical rescue was planned from a landing zone approximately 400 meters from the MACV compound. Captain Coolican organized a small force and, after two futile attempts at evacuation of the wounded, he finally succeeded on the third trip and carried critically needed ammunition back to the compound. When a relief force coming to the aid of the compound was ambushed and sustained numerous casualties, Captain Coolican assembled his men and sped to the scene of intense fighting. Under unrelenting hostile fire, he skillfully directed the collection of the injured and evacuation to the Hue MACV dispensary. Throughout the battle of Hue, he skillfully effected medical evacuations under enemy observation and fire. He succeeded in saving many lives with no loss to his own force. Captain Coolican's conspicuous gallantry, professionalism and extraordinary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Link to Navy Cross Citation:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4480#:~:text=CITATION%3A,Vietnam%20on%2031%20January%201968

Outside of his military service, Jim or “Gramps” was known for his warmth, wit, and profound sense of honor and loyalty. His hobbies included watching sports while offering lots of advice to the coach; traveling with Jean; going to the beach in Florida during the winter months; and, just spending time with his family. He was one of the “helpers” in this world; whether it was assisting someone with a task or finding information for someone to help solve a problem, Jim was always there. He will be remembered for his steadfast courage, his unwavering commitment to his family and friends, and his selfless contributions to his community and country.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, along with a local service and celebration. Dates and details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Colonel Coolican's name, to continue his legacy of supporting and uplifting our nation's heroes (link below).

Gramps will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him and by the countless individuals whose lives he touched through both his service in the United States Marine Corps and in his civilian life. Semper Fi, Colonel.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=20209&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS24030BAABREMA&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUuoveWT-LkEXfhi5iXL0mbAHqRXir6xfyUnsrnvGtUh7wlHyoXJESEaAszKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds.