Jay R. Coffman was born on July 12, 1921 on the family farm near Fairview, Oklahoma to Henry and Mabel Coffman. Jay passed away August 23, 2003 at the Cheyenne Manor Nursing Home in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado at the age of 82.
Jay spent his younger years helping with the farm and attending rural schools in the area. He either walked or rode one of the family horses to school. He told of a few times that, stopping and playing in the creek, or at a pond, on the way to school seemed to be a much better way to spend his time. Needless to say, once his parents and school teacher found out about his extra activities on the way to school, his stops by the creek or pond were greatly reduced. On another occasion he told of how he was in trouble with the teacher and when she went outside, after school, to get a willow switch he hid in a storage area high up on the wall that was covered up by the school's American flag. After waiting there for some time and thinking it was safe to leave Jay opened the front door of the school only to find his teacher waiting for him on the front steps. Once again he learned that hiding from the teacher was not a good thing to do. Jay's education took him thru the 8th grade and after that the demands for helping on the farm outweighed the needs for further education.
Jay's years as a teen and on into early manhood were kept busy with the family farm. He farmed 320 acres, raising wheat, corn and small grains. He raised livestock and poultry for the local markets. He drove a 4 horse team abreast tilling the land and putting up crops. The farm finally upgraded to a wheeled tractor and what an improvement that was over the horse team! He also drove truck hauling cattle and wheat to market.
On September 12, 1942 Jay's call to serve his country during World War II commenced. He entered into the United States Army Air Corp in Oklahoma City. He completed basic training and was assigned to serve at Fort Hondo near San Antonio Texas. Jay successfully completed many military schools and advanced to the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Good Conduct and Excellent Character awards and became a marksman with the .45 caliber pistol and carbine rifle. Jay went on to become an Airplane Maintenance Technician and Airplane Engine Mechanic and later as Crew Chief. He was assigned to the 38th Flight Squadron at Hondo Army Air Field and his responsibilities included, insuring that the proper repairs, preventative maintenance and adjustment work was completed properly on the aircraft assigned to him. He made sure the airplanes were always ready for safe flight. Jay was also familiar will all phases of Army Air Base operations.
There were many stories told of his military service. Some were funny and some were downright scary. Jay told of a time when he had to go out on the runway and retrieve a few of his crew who were walking home from maybe a little too much time in town. Instead of walking down the road they were taking a shortcut across a busy runway. Jay got them back to their bunks safely before the military police arrived. Jay was proud of his military service and often would recognize aircraft on television and make .the comment that he used to work on those planes. Jay's military service ended when he was called back to the family farm due to a death in his family. He often said that he would have liked to continue his career with the Army Air Corp if the circumstances would have been different. On November 28, 1944 Jay was Honorably Discharged from the Army Air Corp.
In 1950 Jay made his way to Sheridan Lake, Colorado where he continued to farm and raise cattle. He enjoyed ranching and was fond of his cattle, dogs and cats. On August 4, 1960 Jay was united in marriage to Cora E. Moulder in Eads, Colorado. To this union two children were born, Cecil Henry Coffman and Sheila Jay Coffman.
As the years went by Jay enjoyed the role his children played in his life. There were many school and sporting events that were attended between the farming and ranching duties. Although these events would last long into the evenings his cattle were always taken care of when he got home and then he would rest.
When Jay's grandchildren came along he was delighted! It was always nice to have the grandkids around. Jay also enjoyed his friends and neighbors especially the Splitter families. He was always telling something about their times together. Some of them were quite humorous. He enjoyed telling the story about Eugene and Harold Splitter making gravy by themselves when their parents were away and that it took three pans to complete the process. There was something about the flour to milk ratio that wasn't quite right.
Jay also seemed to know when Judy Splitter was making "spud-nuts" because he would always have an excuse to go and see Eugene about something just so he could get in on the fresh treat!
Jay would also bring up stories about his children such as a first car, a first motorcycle, the first girlfriend and the first boyfriend. Jay had many stories to tell and could always make you laugh.
In January 2001, after health issues persisted Jay entered into the care of Cheyenne Manor Nursing Home in Cheyenne Wells. During his time at Cheyenne Manor he made new friends with employees and residents alike. He was always under the watchful eye of his loving wife Cora and was visited by many friends and family.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Mable, and his only brother Virgil Coffman.
Jay is survived by his loving wife Cora; son Cecil and wife Lana of Trinidad; daughter Sheila and husband Jeff Brase of Cheyenne Wells; three grandchildren, Anthony, Kelli Kern, and Jordan Coffman; one great grandson, Weslee; and many friends and family.
Graveside funeral services for Jay R. Coffman were held on Wednesday August 27, 2003 at the Sheridan Lake Cemetery in Sheridan Lake, with Pastor Larry Gitchel officiating. Cheri Hopkins and Judy Splitter sang "Beyond the Sunset" and "In the Garden". Full Military honors were provided by William Kimmel Post #9700 of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Funeral services were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.