James (Jim) Aubrey Coble

James Aubrey Coble, also known as “Jim” and “Papa Jim” was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina in Forsyth County on April 18, 1942 and passed suddenly but peacefully on August 29, 2019 at his home in Floresville, Texas. He was 77. Jim grew up on his family’s farm in Burlington, North Carolina, and graduated from Southern Alamance High School in 1961. He joined the US Army in 1963 where he served his country for 6 years. After leaving the military Jim began his civil service career with the Regional Dental Activity (later called Area Dental Laboratory) at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas where he remained until he retired after 27 years of service. He retired from his position as Senior Dental Technician in 1996. Ever the entrepreneur, Jim and his wife owned several family businesses over the years including Coble Dental Lab, Coble Jaguar Service, and several farming-related ventures. One of his more unusual enterprises was delivered through a company called The Coble Farms, where Jim did beekeeping and bottled raw honey for sale in the marketplace to various retail vendors. Jim is remembered for his generosity of spirit, dedication to helping others, and being a leader who motivated others by his actions and through his example. When people asked him for help or assistance Jim was always ready to answer the call. He had a love for sharing his knowledge and taught others with such relentless patience and trust. Jim was a good neighbor, a cherished friend, an honored veteran, a beloved family man, a trusted leader, and the proverbial “nice guy” in all of the best ways. He enjoyed the occasional road trip and working on old tractors, farm equipment, and hit-and-miss engine projects. He loved cars, especially Jaguars and Ford trucks. In the world of classic cars Jim came to be one of the most highly respected subject matter experts on Jaguars—especially the K series—and was highly sought after by Jag owners and dealers alike for his expertise and input. He was loved and revered by many and will be greatly missed and fondly and dearly remembered. His love for and support of family, both close and extended, was appreciated in life and will be treasured beyond his passing. Jim was husband to his beloved wife, Shirley Ruth (Walker) Coble of Freeport, Texas, for 38 years. Shirley preceded him in death on January 7, 2006. Jim is also preceded in death by his mother, Sudie (Fulk) Coble, his father, William Fred Coble, and his eldest sister, Bonnie Jo Barnhardt, all of North Carolina. He is survived by his daughter Tammy Darlene “Dee” Coble of Texas, his Stepson Russell Thomas Cruzan (spouse, Gwen Cruzan) of Texas, sisters Barbara Sue Qualls (spouse, Rainey Qualls) of North Carolina and Patricia Davis (spouse, Kevin Davis) of North Carolina, and other extended family members. A service of remembrance will be held Saturday, September 14, 2019, at 7:00 PM at Congregation Beth Simcha, 5410 Rogers Road, San Antonio, Texas.
Please note: This service will be recorded and made available online to download and view for the benefit of those who cannot attend. An additional graveside memorial service with full military honors will be held at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery at a date and time yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Congregation Beth Simcha in memory of Jim Coble.