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James. F. Coleman, Jr., 75, on December 24, 2021

SMITHFIELD, RI – James F. Coleman, Jr., 75, of Smithfield passed away Friday, December 24, 2021 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in Providence, RI.

Born May 25, 1946 in Pawtucket, RI, he was a son of the late James F., Sr. and Alicia (Duffy) Coleman.

James grew up in Pawtucket and lived nearly all his life there before moving to Smithfield 17 years ago.  He graduated from St. Raphael’s Academy and then Our Lady of Providence Seminary before receiving his Master’s in Divinity from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD.

He was ordained into the priesthood in 1972 and served at various churches in Rhode Island including St. Mary’s in Newport, St. Anne’s in Cranston, St. Michael’s in Providence and the diocesan retreat center in Portsmouth.  He served as chaplain to the Providence Firefighters and the hospitals Our Lady of Fatima and St. Joseph’s hospitals.

Jim left the priesthood in 1995 and worked at the CranstonArc at Access Point, RI as a transportation manager.

He enjoyed sailing, hiking and camping all over New England.  He was a big history buff and known for his wealth of knowledge and love of the firefighting profession.

Jim is survived by his two brothers: Retired Chief Robert M. Coleman, NAFD and wife Cheryl of North Attleboro, MA and William J. and wife Mary Anne Coleman of Cumberland, RI;

Four nieces and nephews: Chief Christopher Coleman, NAFD and wife Jodi of Attleboro, Shannon Shepardson and husband Cory of North Attleboro, Melissa D’Ambrosia and husband Steven of Cumberland and Andrew Coleman of Warren, RI; also several great-nieces.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, January 2, 2022 from 4-7 p.m at Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro.  The family requests everyone wear masks due to Covid.

A funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday, January 3 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass at St. John Vianney Church, 3587 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI at 11 o’clock.  Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Access Point Rhode Island, 111 Parkway, Cranston, RI.

To sign an online guestbook for Jim, please visit www.sperry-mchoul.com.