James Ragan Coker

James Ragan Coker, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away February 10, 2021 at his home. He was born March 25, 1937 in Amarillo, Texas to the late, John Bray & Robbie Allen (Pass) Coker. He grew up in Texas but the family moved to New Jersey when he was a teenager. He graduated salutatorian at Saint Benedict High School in Newark, NJ and chose to attend college at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. It was there he met his beloved wife, Diana Jeanette Stock. He graduated in 1961 through the Army ROTC program with a JD Degree in law. He spent the next 28 years in a career as an Army lawyer and judge within the Judge Advocate General Corps, serving at various locations within the continental United States, Europe, and Central America. He retired as a full Colonel, after serving as the Army Senior Appellate Judge in Washington DC. Along the way, he served in various organizations that his growing children participated in. These included the Cub Scouts, Religious Activities, School Clubs, & sports. In 1987 after his Army retirement, he and his wife, Diana moved to Anderson, selecting a location central to their widespread and extended family. After settling in Anderson, he became affiliated with the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, a charitable organization of the Roman Catholic Church that helps the poor and disabled. He has served in various capacities within the organization for the last 23 years. In addition to the Saint Vincent DePaul, he had also served Anderson as a member of the AmVets, a veteran’s group, and the Police Community Action Board, helping to resolve issues between the police and the local community. His children often chided him for being busier in retirement then he was on active duty. He and his beloved wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 2008 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Toledo, Ohio, with all their children, and all but one grandchild, and a few select close lifetime friends. It was a culminating event of a long, active, loving, and caring life, shared with those they loved the most. James is survived by his children, John (Kristine) Coker, Thomas (Rebecca) Coker, Theresa (fiancé, Allen Raver) Cataldo, David (Debbie) Coker, William (Janell) Coker, Robert (Barbara) Coker, PHD, and Catherine (David) DeWitt; grandchildren, James, Jeanette, & George Coker, Andrew Cataldo, Katherine Hipol, Peter Cataldo, John David Coker, Jason (Faith) Lee, Mathew Coker, Hilary (Joseph) Frego, Christopher (Brittany), Nathaniel, & Hannah Coker, Ashley Robbins, & Kendra DeWitt; siblings, George (Pamela) Coker, Michael (Joan) Coker; sister-in-law, Terry Coker; 25 great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph Coker, Margaret Wanca, & John Coker. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am Thursday, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, with Monsignor Robert Sell, III officiating. Visitation will be at from 10 am until the time of services at the church. Private graveside services with Military honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. There he will join their oldest child, Geradine, and his beloved wife, Diana. Due to recent COVID-19 mandates, a limited number of guests are allowed entry at a time, masks are required, and social distancing must be practiced. Memorial contributions may be made to The Saint Vincent DePaul Society.