Jay Coleman

Retired NJ Health Inspector
 

Jay Coleman, 87, of Bridgeton died early Wednesday morning July 7, 2010 at the Hospice Inpatient Center at the Bridgeton Health Center in Bridgeton. Jay had been in failing health for the past month.

The husband of Joyce (nee Gardner) Coleman, he was born in Asbury, NJ, where he was raised on a dairy farm. Jay was a graduate of Washington (NJ) High School, and held a diploma from Rutgers University in Agriculture with a specialty in dairy manufacturing.

A veteran of World War II, Jay served in the U.S. Air Corps in the Pacific Theater of operations as the flight engineer on a B-29. Before the war ended, he and his crew-mates completed 36 missions and he was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

Jay started his working career in the dairy industry and came to Bridgeton in 1963 to work at Shoemaker Dairy. He later went to work for the New Jersey Department of Health, from which he retired after 20 years of service.

As a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Bridgeton, Jay served as a Vestryman and worked on various committees and projects including the rebuilding of the pipe organ. Jay had an artistic talent that he expressed through stained glass. His work can be seen over the entry way to "The Baitbox" restaurant in Greenwich and highlights the narthex in St. Andrews Church. Jay also enjoyed fishing, whether it be in the bay for fluke or bass in the local lakes.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by his two sons, Gregory J. Coleman and his wife Janet of Upper Deerfield, Tad K. Coleman and his wife MaryAnnie also of Upper Deerfield. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Julie Daly and her husband Brent Daly, Justin Coleman and his wife Michelle, and Judy Coleman. Additionally, he leaves two great-grandchildren, Connor Daly and Kaitlyn Daly. Jay was predeceased by his half-brother, William M. Hevener.

At Jay's request, his funeral service will be held privately Saturday July 10th at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St. in Bridgeton with Reverend Ellen Rutherford of St. Andrews Episcopal Church officiating.

His burial will follow the service and take place with military honors at the Cumberland County Veteran's Cemetery in Hopewell Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jay Coleman's name to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 186 E. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.

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