Obituary of James Murray Coughlan
Coughlan, James Murray
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Murray Coughlan on Sunday June 22nd, 2025.
Jimmy was born in Halifax on April 13, 1942 to James and Geneva Murray Coughlan. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years (this June 28th) Gloria, daughter Jennifer Kuryluk (Shaun), son Patrick (Janet), sister Moira Cottam, sister-in-law Anne Coughlan, brother-in-law Tom Farrell, many neices and nephews and his beloved Grandchildren, Kayden, Jake, Autumn, Ashlyn and Mason.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Harold and Terry Coughlan, sisters Eileen Farrell and Margaret Coughlan and sister-in-law Geraldine Coughlan.
Jimmy grew up in the West End of Halifax and attended St. Pat’s High School, he was a true athlete, the star forward of the hockey team and quarterback of the football team. He was scouted by Boston College for Hockey and was also a tremendous Tennis Player winning both NSJTA Junior Men’s Doubles and Singles in 1958 and 1960 and represented NS in the Canada Games. He also spent many a summer teaching tennis lessons at the Saint Mary’s Boat Club and the Waegwoltic Club in the south end of Halifax.
Jimmy started his career in stone work, working for his father in the family quarry and then branched off to form his own successful company, Coughlan Monuments. His kind and thoughtful demeanor was a source of comfort for many of his grieving customers. He never really retired from this, only slowed down and just recently announced that he planned to officially retire.
Jimmy’s many passions included golfing, fly fishing- he so enjoyed his yearly trips to Newfoundland with Claude Pryor, bird feeding, squirrel chasing, making friends with all the neighborhood animals, including but not limited to, cats, dogs, chipmunks, pheasants and deer. We are pretty sure they all loved him as much as we did. He loved to spend time at his camp on the Eastern Shore that he and Gloria built in the 70’s. Many wonderful family and friend memories were made at our special camp and we take comfort knowing his spirit will be there with us, likely on the deck at sunset overlooking our beautiful lake with a rum and coke in his hand.
Jimmy was a loyal and loving husband to Gloria and they built a wonderful life together, cultivating an extraordinary life full of laughter and love. His children were his pride and joy and he was an amazing, loving, generous, father, who was all in. He loved us fully and supported us always. He had meaningful and lifelong friendships, and a great sense of humour that he never lost, joking around with the nurses literally until the very end. His grandchildren were a huge source of pride and he followed all their sports and accomplishments diligently.
Although the world feels much dimmer today without him here, we will cherish our memories of him and he will live on in our hearts.
Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Elmsdale.
We will be celebrating Jimmy’s life with a Funeral mass on Thursday June 26th 2025 at 10 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 9 Jamieson Drive, Fall River NS. Reception to follow.
Donations in his name can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Saint Andre Bessette Parish.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Jimmy may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com