Jim, the youngest of the children born to John Franklin and Mattie (Fore) Coberly, was born on a cattle ranch at Chapman, Kansas May 26, 1922. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Mountain View, Missouri by covered wagon. The trip was long and arduous, but they pushed on wanting to get to Missouri before bad weather set in.

At the age of 22, Jim married the attractive red head daughter of James Timothy and Stella (McClure) Phipps, Mildred Jane, at Mountain View on June 20, 1942. Shortly after his marriage he enlisted in The U.S. Coast Guard and proudly served his country during WW II.

On January 28th, 1993, a premature baby was born to the couple, but did not survive. The Red Cross saw to it that Jim got home in time for the birth. While he was home, his company shipped out for active duty, the boat was torpedoed and several young men lost their lives. Jim would have been on that boat, had it not been for the birth of Paul James Junior.

After his discharge, Jim returned to Missouri and worked as a farmer and carpenter. On September 17, 1944 a beautiful red headed baby girl, Lynda Lou, was born to the couple. She was their pride and joy and only child born to them.

Jim enjoyed living in the Ozarks, but the income was not what he needed to raise a family, so they moved to Cedar Rapids where a brother, Clark lived. He was able to get employment immediately and soon had his own construction company. He really enjoyed building homes and that is what he specialized in!

After Lynda was in school, Mildred went to work for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids. They made communication components, among them, the radios in the space capsules astronauts would soon use in their space travels all over the world and into space. She met several of the astronauts on their visits to Cedar Rapids.

Jim's liked music and enjoyed the spontaneous family jam sessions and pot luck suppers. The entire Coberly family were musicians and Jim was no exception, playing the guitar. These sessions many times lasted into the wee morning hours. Family, friends and acquaintances always looked forward to joining in on these fun gatherings.

The family shared the joy of traveling and took advantage of the summer months to travel to many parts of our beautiful country, Canada and Mexico. It was always interesting and fun, as well as a learning experience for daughter, Lynda Lou. The easy out going demeanor of the family enabled them to make many life time friends with the people they met along the way.

Jim a smoker, started having problems with his throat in about 1974, and had to retire. This was a difficult time for the family, as he had always enjoyed good health. His problem escalated and he passed away July 14, 1977. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers; Claude of Los Angeles, California, and Louis of Vinton. Sisters: Luella Vredenbirg of Cedar Rapids, Laurine Dryman of Coralville, and Martha Yanda of Springville.

Survivors include his wife with whom he had enjoyed a loving marriage until his death, daughter, Linda Lou and her husband Douglas. Siblings; George (Inez) Coberly of Robins, Clark (Thelma) Coberly of Englewood, Colorado, Viola (Tom) Cram of Rainier, Washington, Beulah (Frank) West, Flint, Michigan, and June (Tom) Drymon of Pomona, California. Jim will also be remembered by his beloved grandchildren, Brent Douglas Miller, Bradley Delbert Miller and Robin Lynn Miller and six great-graandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends and neighbors.

There was a cremation. Memorial services were held at the Cedar Park Memorial Chapel July 18, 1977 and burial at Cedar Park Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Jim has left many special memories with all of us. He will be missed by all who knew him..

***Military: Jim proudly served his county in WW II in the US Coast Guard


Spouse: Mildred Jane Phipps
Married: June 20, 1942
Mountain View, Howell, Missouri USA

Children:
Paul James Coberly, Jr 1943-1943
Lynda Lou Coberly Miller

Jim was a cigarette smoker, but gave up smoking in later years!