Colonel James Richard Coates (USAF, Retired) passed away Friday, September 27, at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 77. Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 26, 1947. A graduate of Richfield High School (1965), Baylor University (B.A. 1969), University of Nebraska (M.A. 1977), and the United States Air War College (1988), Jim dedicated his life to service of country, family, and God.

A childhood polio survivor who was told he would never run again, Jim distinguished himself as an athlete and an Eagle Scout growing up in Waco, Texas. As a mathematics student at Baylor University, Jim achieved the rank of Cadet Colonel in the Air Force ROTC, serving as Cadet Corps Commander his senior year and earning Distinguished Graduate and Outstanding Senior Cadet honors. He was commissioned in the United States Air Force in May of 1969, launching a 30-year distinguished career as an aircraft maintenance officer supporting the U-2, SR-71, RC-135, F-111F, F-15E and holding leadership and command positions at the squadron, wing, numbered Air Force, and Major Command levels. A decorated combat veteran, Jim's numerous U.S. commendations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, and Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, as well two NATO Medals for Service in Kosovo and two Kuwait Liberation Medals for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He retired as a Colonel in 1998.

Jim met the love of his life, Linda Sonnenfeld, at a University of Oklahoma dance in the fall of 1967; she was a member of Angel Flight at the University of Tulsa, he a member of Arnold Air Society at Baylor. It was love at first sight, and the two were married on August 24, 1968. Jim and Linda began their 56-year marriage moving to Rantoul, IL, where he attended aircraft maintenance officer school followed by moves to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (Tucson, AZ) and Strategic Air Command (Omaha, NE), where their son Brent was born in the summer of 1975. Their daughter Rebecca followed soon after in the winter of 1979, when they were stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England. Jim's Air Force career took the family to Maxwell AFB, (Montgomery, AL), the Pentagon (Lake Ridge, VA); Tinker AFB (Edmond, OK); a second tour at RAF Lakenheath; and Keesler AFB (Ocean Springs, MS). At each stop, Jim was a faithful husband, father, and community volunteer, serving as a Boy Scout leader at both the troop and district levels, coaching Brent and Rebecca's soccer teams, and serving as a church elder. Jim and Linda settled in Tulsa after retiring from the Air Force, where they were active members of Kirk of the Hill Presbyterian Church for 26 years. Jim also spent nearly 20 years attending and serving in leadership roles with Bible Study Fellowship. As grandfather to Kayleigh, Asher, and Abigail, known affectionately as "Papa," he loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and freely sharing his input with the referees.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Henry and Esther Ruth (Smith) Coates; his sister, Lenna Renner; and his brother, Charles Coates. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda (Sonnenfeld) Coates of Tulsa; son Brent and wife Karen Coates of Arlington, VA; daughter Rebecca and husband Ken Shepard of Tulsa; grandchildren Kayleigh Coates, Abigail Shepard, and Asher Shepard; sisters Barbara Coates, Nancy Beck, and Cheryl Nichols; brothers- and sisters-in-law Bruce and Toni Sonnenfeld, Carol (Sonnenfeld) and Rob Culbertson, and Barry Sonnenfeld; and beloved nephews and nieces. A celebration of life with full military honors will be held at 11 AM on Friday, October 4, at Kirk of the Hills in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to Folds of Honor or Kirk of the Hills.