Finlay Jackson Coles

On January 13, 2025, Finlay Jackson “Jack” Coles of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, died in Tallmadge, Ohio after a short illness at the age of 94. Jack is survived by his wife of 69 years Jane (Deely) Coles. Jack and Jane were married in 1955 in North Tarrytown, NY. Together they had four children, James (Carla Bays) of Bridgeport, WV, Mike (Marty Salyer) of Manlius, NY, John (Drieva Owens) of Katy, TX and Kate (Matt Van Note) of Kent, OH. Jack was known as “Pop” to 6 of his 7 grandchildren and “Poppyseed” to the 7th! (Jami, Austin, Daniel, Caitlin, David, Megan, and Maddi). He was blessed to have 4 Great Grandchildren (Zander, Laila, Landon, and Autumn). Jack is survived by his sisters Donna (Chris Rothhaus) and Carolyn (late George) Hatfield.

Jack was born on October 9, 1930 to the late H. Finlay and Vera Jackson Coles. He spent the first 43 years of his life in Tarrytown, NY. This is where in 1952 he met the love of his life Jane Deely. Jack worked for many years at the Stouffer Chemical Company in Dobbs Ferry, NY. He was volunteer fireman for Tarrytown, NY for 25 years. In 1963 he was elected chief, this was one of his proudest accomplishments. He carried the friendships and stories with him for the rest of his life.

In 1973, Jack and Jane decided to move the family to WV and transferred to Stauffer Chemical in Gallipolis Ferry, WV. Jack was an assistant chemist and retired from Akzo Noble in 1992. He loved telling people that he was retired longer than he had worked. 

During retirement he became passionate and deeply involved with the Sons of the American Revolution. Jack and Jane spent countless hours driving to SAR functions. He held various offices with the SAR at the local, State and National level. He was the President General for central district, and in 2017 he was awarded the highest honor given by the SAR, the Minute Man Award. 

Jack enjoyed serving his community volunteering at Fort Randolph, Planning Commission, Historic Landmark Commission, County Re-cycle board and Battle Days. Always lending a hand doing whatever needed to be done. But Jack’s true love was woodworking. Anybody that knew him knew he could build anything, fix anything, and problem solve with the best of them. He was a beautiful craftsman and delighted in creating unique and personal gifts every year for his family and grandchildren at Christmas. From wooden trucks, ornaments, bowls, and cups he turned on his lathe. In 1984 he built the trophy case for the Point Pleasant Marching band and was extremely proud to see his work displayed and used at his children’s alma mater.

Jack was the definition of a family man. He loved being with his family and helping his family with any project big or small. Most of all he loved going on the annual men’s fishing trip with his sons and family to the Williams River for 40 years and was blessed to go last year at the age of 93. Jack had an incredible mind for “useless information” and was an avid storyteller up until his last days. His stories, facts, dates, quotes about a myriad of topics from today to 70 years ago will be forever missed. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Point Pleasant, WV. Friends and family are invited to celebrate and share memories at the church hall immediately following. The burial will take place at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers donation to the Point Pleasant Charter of the SAR P.O. Box 511 Point Pleasant, WV 25550 or Point Pleasant Battle Days c/o Diana Johnson 908 Main St Point Pleasant WV.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.