James Lawrence Coe

daughters, passed away at age 80 at Banner Desert Hospital, Mesa, Az.

James (Jim) was born September 5, 1939 in Auburn, In. to James R. and Genevieve (Nelson) Coe. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1957, then went on to earn a BA Degree from Anderson College in Indiana and a Masters Degree plus 60 hours at Arizona State University.

Jim married Mary Lou Shackleton on August 20, 1960. They raised four daughters, Laura,

Tammy, Jeri Lou and Theresa.

Jim taught high school mathematics for 37 years total, 33 of them at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona, where he also enjoyed being the Chess Club coach for 14 years. Jim enjoyed running with his daughter, Jeri Lou, a marathoner. Jim ran the Whiskey Row half-marathon in Prescott, AZ while she spurred him on to the finish line - “Run, Dad,or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!” He made it!!

The family's 1960 23 window VW bus with pull-back top and no gas gauge, equally

captivated his attention. Due to our 42 yrs. of ownership, several long trips were made as

a family, driving to Indiana to the grandparents' house. Jim and Mary Lou went on to ”Expo 67” World's Fair

in Montreal, Canada with it. 1995 saw Jim and Mary Lou driving up the west coast to Victoria, British Columbia to a VW car show, visiting daughter and hubby on the way in Seattle The bus won a trophy for the “oldest unrestored” bus! They also enjoyed building a small

mountain cabin in southeastern Az. near Willcox.

Jim held positions in educational circles of the Tempe Union High School District, as

well as local, state and national responsibilities for the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana).

He was a republican precinct committeeman for several years. He wrote mathematics

materials for Alpha Omega Publishing Co. to be used for homeschooling.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, of almost 60 yrs. lacking two weeks, daughters

Laura Coe of Tempe, Tammy Melki of Gilbert, Jeri Lou Sexton (Frank) of Mukilteo, Wa. And

Theresa Coe, of East Mesa, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, sister, Joy

DeShon of Chandler and step-sister Laura Christen (Bob) of Ellenton, Fl., many nieces,

nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Rupert Coe, KIA in Normandy, France,

his mother, Genevieve Conklin, step-father, Ernest Conklin, and half sister, Virginia

Conklin Watkins.

Viewing and service times: Fri., Sept. 4, '20 Private viewing 4:30 – 5:00 pm

Public viewing 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Sat. Sept. 5, '20 Family viewing 10:00 – 11:00 am

Celebration Service - family 11:00 Graveside - 1:00 pm

Service on Facebook Live - Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

4310 E. Southern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042 602-437-0436

Donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or American Bible Society