Robert James, Jr "Jim" Coulter, 25 Aug 1946 - 02 Nov 2019

COULTER, SHOWALTER

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 11/7/2019 at 13:36:08

On August 25, 1946, Robert James Coulter and Alta [Showalter] Coulter were blessed with the birth of their son, Robert James Coulter, Jr. in Corydon, Iowa. He came to be known as Jim to all friends and family. Raised as a single child, due to the loss of his baby sister, Anne; Jim consistently created families all around him. With Alta teaching in a community outside of Corydon, Jim and his Dad farmed together between weekends. Grade School brought a chance to hang out at the ice cream shop after school while waiting for Dad to come in from the farm, then it was hamburgers all around! Jim also occupied his time with 4-H calves and chores.

In 1960, the family moved to Williamsburg, Iowa. Alta continued to teach school in another community, while Bob took over as Executive Officer of the Security Savings Bank. Jim rocked on into High School with his clarinet and new friends for life. A local pasture was converted into a Golf Course and by Junior year, Jim had a brand new passion! A passion which never left, a passion which sustained him through his entire life. A trip to State Golf Tournament was a bit defeating, however; who puts trees on a perfectly good Golf Course?

Jim graduated High School and went on to the University of Iowa. Go Hawkeyes!! While earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Jim was also in Army ROTC, including the drill team and summer training. He was also understandably proud of his time in the Marching Band [still swinging that clarinet]. University of Iowa marched a 100 block formation, with approximately 300 musicians auditioning for those few cherished positions. Jim marched throughout his college years, enduring the Monday night “Game Films” and band review.

After college, Jim went into the U.S. Army. Ranger training cost him a few pounds, but his Ranger Tab kept him warm the rest of his life! It was plenty warm in South Vietnam and Cambodia where Jim served with a South Vietnamese Ranger Unit as a technical advisor in I Corps. The “technical advisor” part landed Jim in the middle of a major battle on his first day, earning him a Bronze Star, along with South Vietnamese honors.

Upon returning Stateside, Jim served as a Funeral Detail officer among other duties. His love for his military brothers also lasted the entirety of his life, ending here in Wray, Colorado as a proud member of the Color Guard and Memorial Day speaker. Jim worked at his Dad’s bank in Williamsburg until moving to Wray to join The First Pioneer National Bank as EVP. Retirement didn’t last long because he missed all the social interaction and went to work stocking shelves at Wray Market.

Jim was a very active man in the community, although none of it took precedence over golf. He was a member of, served on, or participated in the following: Wray United Methodist Church (many boards, choir, Walk To Emmaus, choir director, Lay Servant classes, Lay Speaker Licensing School, preaching), VFW, Rotary, Hospice volunteer, Masonic Lodge (50 years), Yuma County Economic Development, Celebrate Recovery, teaching business classes at MCC, teaching History classes about the Viet Nam War, and any sporting event that might include a grandchild (or a friend’s grandchild).

For a man with no biological children, Jim created an amazing legacy of children and grandchildren to carry on his passionate love of Christ. With each marriage, the family grew and evolved into an entire herd of folks who love God, golf, and music! Jim’s family has included: Patty; Ellen w/Nathan (Lori, Morgan, Hagan, Kaylan) & Ryan (Dylan, Haley); Judy w/Dillon & Jacy (Katherine); Catherine w/Peter & Anne; Pam w/ Jesse (Ray, Jake) & Gabriele (Aydan + Derek, Kedric, Savannah, Quinn). Aunt Maxine and Aunt Rosemary complete the picture.

The only time Jim was without a well-starched shirt, suit, and tie was on the golf course, but his vocal passion was always present. Wish you all could have been with us when we won a round at Ballyneal; trust me, the day was filled with his patient teacher style and the joy of being alive in God’s Mighty Creation. May Jesus’ Holy Love direct you always toward Home, sweet shots, and victory through the bunkers!

Jim left this earth on November 2, 2019; his battles won.

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Ben Wentworth officiating. Memorials may be made to the Wray United Methodist Church or the Republican Valley VFW Post 4671. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Cremation was requested.

Posted on the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home web