James (Jim) Granville Coffey III, 99, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 11, 2024. Mr. Coffey was born in Welch, West Virginia, the middle of three sons, to Virgie Mae Sizemore-Coffey and Jesse Franklin Coffey. He is survived by his daughter Diana Minnear and his sister-in-law, Joyce Willadean Young; and was preceded in death by his wife, Melba, his daughter, Carole, his parents, and his brothers, Sid and Charlie.

After graduating from Welch High School, Jim served in the U.S. Military during WWII as a member of the 5th Army, 91st Infantry Division. While serving, he distinguished himself for heroism on the field of battle and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat while fighting the Nazis in Sicily, in Italy and in Africa.

Following his military service, he became a silver miner in Idaho, during which time he again distinguished himself courageously helping save lives when a catastrophic explosion occurred miles underground, an explosion which took the lives of many of his fellow miners.

He drew inspiration from his mining experience to become a songwriter and recording artist in Nashville. His most popular song was Breaking Rock by Jim Coffey III, which can be found on YouTube to this day, and is still listened to around the world.

In the 1970s, Jim settled in Jacksonville where he lived with his wife Melba until her death. Thereafter, he lived a quiet life with his beloved pup, Peewee, who was literally a man’s best friend. But quiet didn’t mean uninvolved. His interests included a wide variety of causes, which he continued to support throughout his life. From contributing to organizations that support Native Americans to those that enrich the lives of men and women in all branches of military service, especially families of the fallen and wounded, Jim was always willing to help where he could.

In the last decade of his life, Jim was introduced to an entire new family of friends by his dear friend and caregiver, Betty Hayes. Among those who were privileged to call Jim ‘friend’ are Carolyn Hudson, Margaret and Mike Latimer, Jules Davidson, David Obi, Mablelee and Peyton Quina, Irene Pevey and Kathy and Glenn Wright. Together, they helped Jim enjoy a golden sunset to his life, extra years filled with warmth and the company of good friends. Jim was especially grateful to Glenn Wright, who was the Commander of local VFW 7909, where Jim was always made welcome, and who now serves as the Commander of the VFW for the State of Florida. Through Glenn’s leadership and generosity, indeed through the kindness of all his fellow veterans at the VFW, Jim was able to live out his life independently and renew the special bond shared solely by those who fought for Freedom.

In a life of nearly 100 years, Jim Coffey was many things, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend, but most of all, he was a man of faith. And anyone who spent time in his company knew this to reside at the heart of his being. His love of the Lord was simple, humble and abiding, and it was with a prayer on his lips that he left this world to return Home.

Jim Coffey was a good man who will forever live on in the hearts and memories of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, guests are invited to make donations to VFW 7909, 6204 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32244.