James C. Chief Coleman of Huntsville died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at a local hospital. He was 69. He retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. After retirement he was a N.J.R.O.T.C. instructor at Huntsville High School.

Survivors include his wife, Frances Coleman; two daughters, Donna (Blaine) Gilley and Dana (Mike) Crumbley; one sister, Betty Jo Manning; three grandchildren, Leslie Michael, Mathew Michael and A.J. Crumbley.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Valhalla Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held graveside at 1 p.m. Sunday at Valhalla Memory Gardens Mausoleum with Rev. Byron White officiating. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the America Cancer Society.

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To paraphrase a classic song, How do you thank someone who took you from crayons to being a man? It wasn't cool to be associated with the military in any way in 1972 due to the unpopularity of the Vietnam War. Yet, many of us braved the ridicule.

Student Comment:

• Chief Coleman was one of those teachers who made HHS a great place of learning. He was a friend, mentor, teacher and role model. He instilled in us the idea that serving your country was still the right and honorable thing to do. "Chief" was a great man. Hope he is smiling down and proud of us. - Pat Hughes