Celebrating J.C. Coleman

Nashville - John Adams Coleman (JC), 62, of Nashville, TN passed away December 19th at VanderbiltUniversity Hospital after a three year battle with metastasized prostate cancer. John grew up in Edison, NJ where scouting experiences fostered his love of camping, hiking and fishing eventually leading to his achievement of Eagle Scout. He attended The University of Georgia where his interest in the outdoors and conservancy led to a 1980 undergraduate degree in Forest Resources. On a campus steeped in football tradition, John took perverse pride in never having attended a UGA football game! After several years working in the forestry industry, his abiding empathy for the wellbeing of others drew John back to UGA to earn a Masters degree in Social Work. His MSW led to a rewarding thirty four year career in Psychiatric Healthcare. John recently retired as Chief Compliance Officer of Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare. Serving as an usher and sacristan, John found a spiritual home at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville. His pursuit of lifetime learning included completion of a four year Education For Ministry extension course from the University of the South and a personal library full of books on history, theology and scientific studies of mental health. Bonded by common interests and concerns, JC was part of a loving community of supportive happy hour friends in the Nashville area. John was predeceased by his parents Thomas Owen and Gertrude (Teetah) Coleman. He is survived by his stepmother Muriel Coleman, brothers Tom (Eileen Murphy) Coleman and Jim (Darlene Moore) Coleman, step siblings Nancy (Barbara Richard) Hubbard and Steve (Debbie Moona) Hubbard and nephews Dorrier (Kelsey Fritz) Coleman, Benjamin Coleman, Jed Hubbard, Alex Moona and Chris Moona.

A common thread in John's life was his steadfast support of colleagues, friends and family. His dry wit, compassionate spirit and especially his unconditional love will be missed by all. A Funeral Service immediately followed by a church reception will be held on Friday, January 3rd at 1:30pm in Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to http://jasonfoundation.com or https://www.nashvillecares.org
Published in Tennessean from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, 2019
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Come join us at Peckers' after J.C. Colemans' 1:30 service at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday Jan. 3rd. The bar will be opening 1 hour late, so come on down at 5:00 and share some J.C. stories and toast a great man. Your contribution of finger food is appreciated but not required. Hope to see you then!