James "Ed" Coker

James 'Ed" Coker, 87, a resident of McComb, passed away Monday April 13, 2026 in Jackson, surrounded by his family.

A visitation was held on April 16, at Hartman Jones Funeral Home from 12PM until services at 2pm. Bro. Jeffrey Conn did officiate and burial was in Hollywood Cemetery. Hartman Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pauline "Shorty" Coker; and his in-laws H.F. and Altha Statham.

Ed is survived by his wife of 67 years and their 2 children Bobby and wife Laura and Christie Thompson and husband Harry; brother-in-law Gary Statham and wife BeLenda; 2 grandsons Anthony and wife Hannah and Andrew; and 4 great-grandchildren Cassidee, Caleigh, Bentley, and Brantley.

He was born on March 18, 1939 in McComb. Ed graduated from Fernwood High School in 1958 and joined the US Army shortly after that. It was while stationed at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas that he and Sandra eloped and married on April 17, 1959. After the army, he worked in the oil field for a while. He then went to work for Wolf Baking Co, also known as Sunbeam Bread, which later became Flower's Baking Co. He started out as a routeman and worked his way up to Director of Sales. He loved his job! He worked all over McComb, Natchez, Brookhaven, Laurel, Hattiesburg, Tylertown, and Kentwood. He retired after 48 years.

He was a member of Sincerity Masonic Lodge in Magnolia. He was a man of many talents. He could pretty well do anything he put his mind to. He loved the outdoors, old cars, motorcycles, and wood working. He restored two old cars and a motorhome, and built numerous pieces of furniture for themselves and other members of the family.

Pallbearers were Andrew Durr, Anthony Durr, Cameron Smith, Jerry Moore, Darren McEwen, and Jr. Lee. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gary Statham, Joe Brown, Bobby Ray Williams, and Chris Geisler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of Healing Hearts, P.O. Box 1972 McComb, MS 39649.