John Ashley Coleman

John Ashley Coleman was born on October 26th, 1946, in Athens Tennessee to Harry and Mollie Coleman. He was the first of six children born from this union and the only son. The family relocated briefly to Troy, Ohio and eventually made Columbus, Ohio their home. John, the Patriarch, of the Coleman family passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, September 19th, 2021. John began his educational years at Highland Elementary. He went on to Westmoor Middle School and in 1964, he graduated from West High School in Columbus, Ohio. He went on to attend Central State University where he met Gloria Jean Ball; they married in 1969. From this union one daughter, Toi, was born. John eventually continued his education in New York, receiving his MBA from Columbia University. After leaving Columbus for college, John went on to live in Detroit, New York City, Chicago, and Pittsburgh before settling down in California. He lived in California for almost 40 years. While living in California, he was blessed with a second daughter, Aubrey. John's final move was to Las Vegas to live out his sunset years. John's early professional career consisted of various Finance roles at Alcoa, Abbott Laboratories and Ford Motor Company. He ultimately became CFO of Rockwell International. After retiring from Rockwell in 1998, John continued his career becoming CEO and President of the ILWU Credit Union, where he remained until his final retirement in 2013. John was an active athlete in his early years. He excelled at basketball throughout his high school days. As he progressed through life, he took up running 5 miles a day, playing tennis and skiing as his choice of sport adventures. John had many accomplishments in his life, including being a published author, writing The View from Ground Level in 1996. However, his two daughters, Toi and Aubrey, and his grandson, Jordan, were his proudest achievements. In his spare time, John loved spending time with his family, listening to music, traveling with friends and was an avid blackjack player. In his retirement, he loved to spend days at his "part time" job ... the casino. He was also known for sending out his music playlists to family and friends, alike. Preceding him in death are his parents Harry and Mollie Coleman, and one sister Yvonne Paula Coleman. He leaves behind to mourn his two adoring daughters, Toi L. Gunn (Shawn) and Aubrey Coleman; his beloved grandson Jordan Ashley Gunn; his loving life partner of 14 years, Mely Mendoza; four younger sisters: Freida Coleman and Freda Moss, Karen Sue Coleman, V. Omega Parker (Gilbert); his godson, Ashley Lyons; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many long time close friends. His final words to his nephews, grand and great nephews were: "He had lived a good life."