James Ray Coghlan

James Ray Coghlan, 69, of Keithville, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at his home.

James was born on May 4, 1953, to Edmond Carroll Coghlan and Mignon Mann Coghlan in Rosedale, Mississippi. He graduated from Leflore County High School in 1971.

At the age of 18, James began working in the warehouse of a wholesale hardware business. He would continue to work in this field for 42 years where he would graduate from sales, to management, and eventually Vice President of Sales for Hardware Distribution Warehouses, Inc. until his retirement in 2014. During these years he was a mentor to many and made life-long friends.

James was married to Julia Boolos Coghlan for 51 years and they had three children: Jennifer, Christopher and Corey.

One-of-a-kind comes to mind when describing James. He was an avid cat lover, infamous for bringing home any stray he could catch. His eyes and smile would sparkle like no other. He shared his joy with others through his laughter or his singing that would fill just about any room. His friends and family will cherish all the special moments James added to their life. James loved and cared for his family and friends dearly. Anyone who knew him could tell you so.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Edmond Carroll Coghlan and Mignon Mann Coghlan, and siblings, Audrey Horn, Helen Nokes, and Thomas Coghlan. 

James is survived by his wife, Julia Coghlan; his three children, Jennifer Ishee (Jason) of Madison, MS, Christopher Coghlan (Penny) of Lake Balboa, CA and Corey Coghlan (Katherine) of Baton Rouge, LA; his siblings, Edmond “Pete” Coghlan of Pelzer, SC, Charles Coghlan of Ridgeland, MS, Gene Coghlan of Naples, FL, Judith Lewis of Southaven, MS, and Carolyn Gremillion of Madison, MS; and his two granddaughters, Georgia and Genna Ishee.

Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4736 Lyba Street, Shreveport, Louisiana on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a funeral mass to follow at noon. Officiating the service will be Father Francis Kamau, of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Many, Louisiana.