James Lowell Coder

James Lowell Coder, 87, passed at Hospice of Northwest Ohio (Detroit Ave.) after a lengthy struggle with multiple illnesses. A Toledo native, Jim was a proud graduate of DeVilbiss High School, Class of 1951, the University of Toledo (BS, MBA) and a charter member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity - 1953. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy. Jim married Joan Lee Fadden on July 19, 1958. Together they raised their two children mostly in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood of Sylvania Township. Many good friends and relationships were cultivated during their nearly 50 years of marriage. Both Joan and Jim were active members of Hope Lutheran Church for many years. After Joan’s passing in 2007, Jim attended Martin Luther Church in East Toledo. He found much joy in the homey atmosphere of the congregation there. For the past 15-20 years, Jim also found joy in attending his weekly (mostly) “breakfast bunch” group of SAE alumni. He spoke of how the group had dwindled over the years, and now they are minus another proud member. May this group carry on. Though an only child, Jim had an extended family of cousins due to his father being one of ten offspring. Yearly Coder family reunions were held in Defiance, OH and Jim enjoyed working with his cousins on uncovering the genealogy of his side of the family. His presence will be missed at these gatherings. Anyone knowing Jim, knew he was a man of strong opinions and, perhaps, an even stronger constitution. He held to both until the end. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Joan, and survived by daughter Lori Ann Coder, son James Jeffrey Coder, and grandson Benjamin James Coder. The family wishes to thank the entire hospice staff for the comfort provided and would appreciate any donations made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Donations can also be made to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation, Ohio Nu Chapter Fund, 1856 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60201. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio with a private interment at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.