James William Coates ‘Jimmy’
Funeral Service
Time: 11:00am
Date: Thursday 28th August 2025
Service Details:
Jimmy's funeral service will be held at St Bartholomew's Church, Church Lane, Great Harwood, BB6 7PU.
Memorial Book
Peacefully, and surrounded by his loving family, Jimmy passed away on 18th August 2025 at East Lancashire Hospice, aged 69 years, of Great Harwood.
A devoted and much-loved husband to Sally, a cherished dad to Oliver, Anthony, and Alec, and a proud father in law to Jennifer and Dacy. He was a treasured grandad to Eleanor, Thomas, and Georgia, and a dear brother to George, Joyce, Jean, and Barbara. Jimmy was also a much-loved uncle and a loyal friend to many.
A proud Yorkshireman through and through, Jimmy’s love for the land began early in life when he started his working journey as a farmer. His passion for livestock and the outdoors never left him, and over the years, he found his way into a variety of roles including demolition and, later, landscape gardening, where his creativity truly shone.
Jimmy spent many happy years working at Brockhall Village and The Old Zoo there, where he formed lasting friendships. Known for his punctuality, Jimmy always arrived early keen for a quick brew before getting stuck into the day’s work. His strong work ethic and dedication stayed with him right up to the very end.
Outside of work, Jimmy had a deep love for farming and was a keen follower of both cricket and football. He also enjoyed collecting lead animal figures and creative modelling. But above all, family was the heart of Jimmy’s world. He was never happier than when surrounded by his loved ones especially during family days on the farm, playing cricket and football together. He was a man who would drop everything to help someone in need, always offering a helping hand with kindness and generosity.
Jimmy will be remembered for his big heart, his strong values, and his unwavering love for those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, and love that will live on in all who knew him.
Flowers are welcome, donations are being gratefully received in memory of Jimmy on behalf of the East Lancashire Hospice. To make a donation please click the ‘Make A Donation’ button at the bottom of this page. Please feel free to leave a message for Jimmy’s online memorial book by completing the form below.
Uncle Jimmy was always smiling and joking and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I have lots of lovely memories to hold to and I’m sure he is now at peace and reunited with my mum and brother.
Don’t worry Uncle Jimmy, we will look after Aunty Sally xx
God bless , Paula, Lee, Graham, Sam And Will xx
It was a pleasure to have known you , you will be dearly missed
Remembering Jimmy as, always smiling. Joy to talk to. Always interested in you and your family. Going to be greatly missed by his lovely family and all who knew him. Love Lynette and Manoo and family.
Such a gentleman and a lovely neighbour allways a smile and such a lovely man bless you and Sally lots of love and prayers Paul and Linda smith xxxxx
Such a lovely man, Allways smiling. Was such an honour and a privilege to have known him for a few short years, down at the allotments. He will be sorely missed,
Jackie and Dave
Xxx
It was a pleasure getting to know you,
Rest in peace Jim
What an AMAZING MAN… time spent with him was a treasured treat. Canada was made better the day that family came into. I teased him that he was my bestie but he took it like a champ and never complained. Thank you for the time you gave my daughter and the love your heart shared with her. You will forever be in our hearts!!!!
Jimmy you were a wonderful brother you were kind and generous with a heart of gold with that endearing smile that would brighten anyone’s day always remembered God bless
Love Jean Chris & Paul XXX
Uncle Jimmy was a happy go lucky man, who would light up any room with his humour, whit and infectious smile. At peace now, God bless! Love Mark Lisa & Penny XXX
Jimmy was such a gentleman and a cheeky chappy. He helped us our a lot in the garden. Rest in peace. Heidi and Phil xx
Remembering Jimmy a true Gent, with his wealth of wisdom he was happy to share.
I did not really know Jimmy only through Sally. But i do know what type of man he was. Taken too soon.
Love the McCann family. x
It was a pleasure to know Jimmy going back over 40 years ago in the young farmers, always laughing and joking and he was best man at my wedding not long after his own to Sally. Rest in peace Jimmy, lots of love to Sally and the family xx
Honoured to have known Jimmy. He taught me so much, not just about gardening, but life advice too. I am going to miss him greatly, his wise words will stay with me forever.
Rest in Peace Jim, thank you for everything you ever did for me. xxxx
Jimmy was about the most supportive colleague I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Brockhall and The Old Zoo would be a very different place in his absence.
He always had a positive suggestion and a ‘can do’ attitude towards anything that faced us. His loyalty, desire to succeed and support for friends was beyond reproach and a great example to us all in times of increased division.
Love to Sally, Oliver, Anthony, Alec and families. So sorry for your loss.
Condolences to Sally and family, we’re honoured to have known Jimmy, always had a laugh and a joke at the allotments, you will be greatly missed Jimmy such a great chap. Sally and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kevin and Marian Marsden and family.