James Francis Coakley, son of Ray and Marie (Eason) Coakley, was born September 25, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim began his education in Des Moines and in 1953 moved with his family to a farm north of Curlew, where he continued his education through seventh grade. The Curlew school closed at that time and Jim then attended school in Ayrshire, graduating in 1960.

In 1961, Jim joined the United States Navy and his home port was Pearl Harbor. He was on the AO63 Chipola and spent all of his time in the South Pacific. After being honorably discharged in 1965, Jim returned to northwest Iowa to help his dad farm.

Jim was united in marriage to JoAnn Cuttell on August 6, 1966 and they made their home on the farm north of Curlew. They were blessed with three children. In 1974 Jim and JoAnn moved to Emmetsburg. Jim worked with various construction crews until his retirement. He then worked for Tim O'Leary at the lumber yard and he helped Gary Kauffman on his farm.

Jim enjoyed gardening, caring for his apple trees, reading westerns and going to casinos. He also liked spending time at their cabin on Tuttle Lake and visiting their friends there. Jim was a very talented woodworker and loved making projects for family and friends. Jim loved attending the events his grandchildren participated in.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. Jim was also a member of V.F.W. Post #2295 in Emmetsburg and the American Legion Post in Mallard.

Jim passed away Sunday, September 2, 2018, at his home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Paula Kay in 1968; his parents, Ray and Marie Coakley; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bob and June Cuttell; brother-in-law, Gary Cuttell; and a nephew, Scott Cuttell.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his children, Cory (Alison) Coakley of Estherville, Iowa, and Carla (Marty) Bergstrom of Mallard, Iowa; grandchildren, Becca Jo (John), Tyler, Austin, Lincoln and Royce; four great grandchildren, Grayson, Owen, Penelope and Harper; his brother, Jacque (Rod Adams); two brothers-in-law, Jim (Char) Cuttell and Jack (Mary Jo) Cuttell; sister-in-law, Barb Cuttell; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home