June 16, 1921 — June 22, 2014

James Duane Coker, 93, formerly of Cassopolis, passed away quietly on the evening of June 22, 2014, in the Memory Care unit of the Veterans facility in Los Angeles, California.

Known as “Duane” to his friends, he was born June 16, 1921, to Wilbert and Goldie Coker.

He married Frenda Nasse Oct. 10, 1948. She preceded him in death Oct. 18, 1996. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one son, Gregory Lance Coker.

James Duane Coker was a decorated soldier in World War II and had a noteworthy career with the Chicago Police Department as a homicide detective for almost three decades. In his off time he also worked as a court stenographer — his late wife called it his “self-imposed burden” for loving to fly airplanes in his free time.

James will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by one daughter, Linda Coker Williams, who presently lives and works in the Jiangsu Province of China. He is also survived by two loving and attentive grandsons, Virgil Williams, married to Steffanie Laciura Williams, and Dr. Jarrett Gavin Williams, both of Los Angeles, and two great-granddaughters, Isabelle Williams, age 7, and Sophia Williams, age 3.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, July 24, 2014, at noon for a graveside service at Calvin Community Cemetery, 18770 Mt. Zion Street, Cassopolis, Michigan, with the Reverend Russell Haines officiating. Mr. Coker’s remains will be laid to rest with full Military Honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.