Jim Coffin, long-time Troops supporter passes

Lt. James H. Coffin, USMC (retired)
Sept. 15, 1928 — June 29, 2010
Corvallis Gazette-Times, Obituary

James Henning Coffin was born to Howard William and Fanny Henning Coffin on Sept. 15, 1928, in El Paso, Texas. ∴ He was the youngest of their three sons, and was preceded in death by William Cameron Coffin and Charles Howard Coffin.

Jim attended La Mar Grade School, El Paso High School, Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy, Texas Western College and Southern Methodist University. He earned a bachelor of arts degree at Long Beach State in California. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Aviation Cadet Program.

In early 1953, he was designated a naval aviator and commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant USMCR. During his assignment to Korea, he flew AD Sky Raiders with a tour as Forward Air Controller. After Korea, he was assigned as a Basic Flight Instructor in Pensacola, Fla., then to Marine Recruit Training Depot, Parris Island, S.C. He served in Japan and Okinawa, transitioning into flying jets and helicopters.

He was assigned as Assistant Naval Attache to New Delhi, India, and Katmandu, Nepal. Upon returning to the United States, he received refresher helicopter training with assignment to Vietnam. After being shot down, he spent six weeks aboard the USS Repose recovering from a broken back. He returned to Quantico, Va. His last year of active duty was at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Calif.

Retiring on July 1, 1972, he moved to Oregon, envisioning life as a gentleman country farmer. Instead, fortunately, he managed the Oregon State University Horticulture Research Farm in Corvallis. A number of the professors were hunters, and took him into their group. Jim hunted worldwide, but believed the best hunting was the last 25 years spent with his horticulture friends. He also became a working member of the American Custom Gunmakers’ Guild, at which he plied his trade.

Jim passed away June 29 at his home in Corvallis, with family and friends at his side. He is survived by his two children, Matthew Cameron Coffin of Anaheim, Calif., and Michelle Kimberly Trevisiol of Albany; and by his dedicated longtime partner, Elizabeth Howe of Corvallis.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. July 15 at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, Corvallis. Remembrances can be made to Marine Toys for Tots or Benton Hospice Service.