James Lee Coates

James Lee Coates, age 78, of Morristown, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. His daughters (who he affectionately called his doodles) were by his side. James was a member of Arrowhead Church and a faithful follower of Christ. He modeled God’s fatherly love to those around him. James worked at Union Camp - International Paper, in which he entered early retirement. Soon after, he worked as a groundskeeper at Walters State Community College, where he had fun riding the big mowers. James also loved going to Waffle House (or as he called it the Water Hole) and was known as Jim and Papa. James was preceded in death by his parents, Elzy and Mary Lily Coates. He leaves behind his loving wife of fifty two years, Mary Lynn Coates; daughters, Megan (James) Wardley and Katherine (Scott) Fine; sisters-in-law, Lois McKinney and Sandi Whitt (Terry Livesay); niece, Angela (Matthew) Smith; nephew, Travis (Brittney) Whitt; and great-nephews, Holden Smith and Jordan Whitt. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 29th at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ben Shoun officiating. At the conclusion of the service, there will be a funeral procession to Hamblen Memory Gardens for burial. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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