James Darrell Coulter
James Darrell Coulter
James Darrell Coulter
September 13, 1930 – December 14, 2015
New Sharon, Iowa | Age 85
James “Jim” Coulter, 85 of New Sharon passed away Monday, December 14, 2015 at the Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. James Darrell Coulter was born September 13, 1930 in What Cheer, Iowa the son of Warren and Marie Grudgings Coulter.
Jim was a 1948 graduate of What Cheer High School. While a senior in high school James enlisted in the Iowa National Guard so he could continue to help his parents on their farm. On September 29, 1951 James was united in marriage to Lenora McCulley at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.
Soon after the couple started a family and began buying farmland. In 1959 Jim purchased two broodmares from his father and so began his lifelong passion as an owner, breeder, trainer and driver of standardbreds. Over time both James and his father’s names earned a spot in the Iowa Harness Horse Hall of Fame. In 1983 Jim was instrumental in lobbying Iowa Legislators’ to bring Pari-Mutuel Racing to Iowa. It was important to him that people knew harness racing was an honest, family oriented business that most any family could enjoy together.
Over the years Jim served as Director of the United States Trotting Association District 4, Iowa Harness Horsemen Association, Hawkeye Colt Association, Southern Iowa Fair and the Keokuk County Fair. He was past president of the Midwest Racing Circuit and of the North Mahaska School District School Board. Jim also served as Adams Township Trustee and was a member of the Lacey United Methodist Church.
Of all the positions he held over the years, being a devoted husband to his wife meant the most to him. By simply loving and respecting his best friend of sixty four years his children developed respect, admiration and love for their father. Jim loved his children and grandchildren, who to this day refer to him as “Bunker”, enough that he never hesitated to give praise or a little tough love if need be. Jim will be remembered by many as an honest, humble, hardworking man whose presence made the world a better place.
Jim is survived by his wife Lenora Coulter of New Sharon; two daughters: Diana (& Randy) Fuqua of Springdale AR and Janna (& Jim) Hawkins of South Padre Island, TX; a son, Rodney (& Victoria) Coulter of Warner Robins, GA; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters: Jeannine Duncan of What Cheer, and Dottie Behrens of Des Moines; and a brother, Dan Coulter of Traer.
He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Barbara Coulter; a sister-in-law, Annette Coulter; and two brothers-in-law, Glenn McKain and Elmer Behrens.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, December 18, 2015 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.
Burial will be in the Sixteen Cemetery near Thornburg.
Visitation will begin at noon on Thursday with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.hollandcoblefuneralhomes.com
