James Dally Coates

James Dally Coates, Jr., son of the late James and Henrietta Coates, was born on July 11, 1927 in Baltimore, Maryland. His spirit was released to the heavens suddenly on Sunday, February 1, 2004 at 4:45 p.m.He received his education from the Baltimore City Public School System. He served over 32 years at the Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock as a rigger.He met and married his soul mate, Ella Mae Leach, on February 7, 1951. They spent a lifetime of loving each other and teaching their children to love.There were many affectionate and familiar names used to call on him such as: “Juney,” “Hooks,” “Pee-Pop,” “Pop-Pop,” “Pop,” “Granddaddy,” and “My Patient.” But the most dearest of all was “Daddy.” Daddy loved listening to music, watching movies and jigsaw puzzles. In the summer months, his best known form of leisure would be spending time early mornings and late nights lounging on the front porch. He also loved his family cookouts and enjoyed his annual trips to Disney World.Daddy was the one who could make you laugh when you wanted to cry and keep pushing you when you wanted to give up. Our family is blessed because of what Daddy instilled in each of us from birth. Family was his first priority and you knew that from the magnetism that drew all kinds of people and made them want to be part of the family. Our family gatherings were rich with love and compassion. There was always enough love for one more.His memory will be forever cherished by his loving and dedicated wife, Ella Mae Coates; two sisters, Gertrude Scott and Hortense Blackwell; one sister-in-law, Shirley Stewart; seven sons, Alexander, James III, Arnold, Jerome, Glenn, Stanley, and the late Michael Anthony Coates; four daughters, Devora Hart, Jocelyn Rogers, Jacqueline Gregory and Candice Owens; three sons-in-law, Donald Rogers, Michael Gregory and Demetrius Owens; three daughters-in-law, Vanessa Coates, Michelle Coates and Tina Coates; twenty-four devoted grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; a loyal friend, Wilbert Macklin; and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends. If you find yourself riding near the 4000 block of Park Heights Avenue, give 2 “honks” at 4013 in memory of him. And know that his spirit is waving back at you and saying, “Hey … who was that?”

Tributes

James Dally Coates

July 11, 1927 - February 1, 2004