Edward "Jim" Coates, 89 of Cedar Run, N.J. and New Smyrna Beach, Fl, passed on Thursday March 20, 2025. Born in Camden N.J. to his late parents William and Phoebe "Ellen" Coates.  Later moving with his family to Long Beach Island.

Jim is a U.S. Navy Veteran who served on the USS Jack W Wilke EDE 800 (Destroyer Escort), he remained a member of the Destroyer Escort Historical Foundation. Jim worked for several Contractors through the years before opening his own family business, J & R Barns True Value Hardware Store and Storage Sheds.

His affable personality gained him many friends through the years.  Jim was a member of various organizations including 60 years as a 32nd Degree Mason with the F&AM Sextant Lodge 286 in Beach Haven, N.J.. He was a Legionnaire of the American Legion Post 232 Barnegat N,J. and a member of Crescent Shinners.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joan; six loving children, Richard & wife Fern Tomlinson, Robert & wife Linda Coates, James & wife Lyn Coates, Kathy Galarza, Sherry & husband Russ Del Russo, Jeff & wife Mimi Coates. Two Sisters, Shirley Mae Beron and Janet Coates. He was the very proud Grandfather of : April, Richard, Heather, Amber, Michelle, Amy, Brittany, Robby, Jeffrey, Ashley, Amanda, Alex, Zachary, Anthony, Megan, Josh, Joanna, Chris and Greg. He also had many Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren along with many Nieces and Nephews. Jim was predeceased by his brother William H Coates Jr and  his grandson James E Coates.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a Funeral Service to begin at 12:00 PM at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, N,J,  Interment along with Military Honors to follow in Barnegat Memorial Cemetery, Barnegat. (www,BarnegatFH.com)