James Robert Coker (Jim)

James Robert Coker (Jim), passed away in College Station, Texas, on September 27, 2022. Jim was born in Troup, Texas, on January 6, 1938, and grew up in Rusk, Texas. A 1956 graduate of Rusk High School, Jim continued his education and obtained a B.S. Degree in Engineering from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (Texas A&M University) in 1960 and was a proud member of Squadron 3 of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets.

Upon graduation, Jim was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and immediately proposed to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Elizabeth Meyers Coker (Beth); she has been his loving wife for more than 62 years. After completing his military tour of duty, Jim and Beth moved to Tyler, Texas, where Jim was employed with Kelly-Springfield Tire Company. In 1971, Jim began a career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and was assigned an overseas position. The Coker family moved first to New Delhi, India, then Bangkok, Thailand, and later to Mexico City, Mexico. The Cokers spent many wonderful and exciting years together, living and traveling abroad.

In 1981, Jim retired from the Goodyear Company and moved his family to Rockwall, Texas, where Jim started his own business in the tire and rubber industry. Jim was an active member of the Rockwall community serving as a member and officer of the Rockwall Athletics Booster Club and President of the Rockwall County A&M Club.

Upon retirement in 1993. Jim and Beth returned to Bryan/College Station to enjoy all that Texas A&M had to offer. Jim and Beth were active members of the 12th Man Foundation and supported virtually all Aggie athletics – both emotionally and financially. While Jim was passionate about Texas A&M, he most loved his family and friends. He was a loving husband, a caring father, an exceptional grandfather, and a great friend to all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Verna Landers Coker and Autis Wynne Coker; and his sister Martha Coker Watson and brother-in-law Robert Watson.
Jim is survived by his wife, Beth Coker; his daughter and son-in-law, Kelley and Ray Riddle of Atlanta, Georgia; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Kelly Tidwell of Texarkana, Texas; his son and daughter-in-law, Gregg and Sissi Coker of Texarkana, Texas; eight grandchildren, CiCi Riddle, Tripp Riddle, Wynne Tidwell, Hutch Tidwell, Walt Coker, Ellie Coker, Jack Coker and Davis Coker; and nephew, Tony Watson.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 14, at Hillier of College Station, 4080 Highway 6, College Station, Texas 77845, followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at the Miramont Country Club, Bryan, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in Jim’s name to one of these organizations:

Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, TX 77840 http://give.am/supportcorps The 12th Man Foundation, PO 2800, College Station, TX 77841 https://12thmanfoundation.evenue.net/www/ev_tamu/ss/ev/Donate?siteId=ev_tamu&locale=en_US&linkID=tamu

TIRR Memorial Rehabilitation Facility, 1333 Moursund St. Houston, TX 77030 https://memorialhermann.org/foundation/donate - designate the TIRR Memorial Hermann

Please visit Jim’s tribute page at www.hillierfuneralhome.com to share memories and stories.