It is with deep sorrow and unwavering hope in God’s promises that we announce the passing of Jay Coleman, who peacefully entered the presence of his Savior on July 23, 2026. While our hearts are broken by his absence, we rejoice knowing that he is now healed, whole, and at home with the Lord.

Jay was born January 30, 1951 in Anderson, IN. Jay graduated from Greenwood High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Yellowstone, where he honorably served with dedication and pride. Following his military service, he built a distinguished career in commercial HVAC as a proud 48-year member of Local 440 Plumbers and Steamfitters Union in Indiana. His strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of coworkers and friends throughout his career.

To know Jay was to know his passion for Corvettes. He was an active member of The Original Circle City Corvette Club, he found great joy not only in the cars but in the friendships and adventures they inspired. He loved poker runs, annual trips to the National Corvette Museum, weekends with dear friends at the Lake, stopping for ice cream, and making unforgettable laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in his beloved Corvette with Connie and Mary close behind in her Corvette. These weren’t simply road trips, they were treasured moments spent with people he loved.

Jay embraced life with a spirit of adventure. He loved going on cruises with his family, making memories that would last a lifetime. Walt Disney World held a special place in his heart, and he especially enjoyed visiting the parks. He loved being on the water, whether boating or simply enjoying the peacefulness of a lake. He was fascinated by NASA and never tired of watching rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center, marveling at the ingenuity and wonder of space exploration.

Above all, Jay’s greatest love was his family. He fiercely loved his wife, Connie, and faithfully cared for and supported her through every season of life. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of devotion, friendship, and unconditional love. He was a steady presence, a dependable provider, and a man whose kindness, humility, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Jay also had a special place in his heart for his faithful furry companion, Gilly Ray, whose companionship brought him joy.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Connie (Price) Coleman; his family, Lydia Cisco, James (Esther) and their children, and Mary Cisco; his sisters, Cathy Hendrickson (Paul, deceased), Sharon Baxter (John), Linda Naperstick (Steve), and Jenny Kirby (David); along with several cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

A special thank you to Terry, Sarah, Candy, and Kavvi who became so much more than caregivers. They cared for Jay with incredible compassion, respect, and love, bringing comfort not only to him but to our entire family during this season. We are forever grateful for the extraordinary care they provided.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Catherine Coleman and his brother, Phillip.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well live, a life defined by faith, service, loyalty, generosity, adventure, and unconditional love. Jay leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, fellow veterans, union brothers, and the many lives he touched.

Whether behind the wheel of a Corvette, watching a rocket soar into the sky, cruising the international open waters, or simply holding Connie’s hand, Jay lived a life full of purpose, adventure, and love. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and joyfully reunited with those who know Christ one day!

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

A Celebration of Life will be held at Real Life Christian Church in Clermont, FL on August 1, 2026 at 11am. 

Interment with Military Honors will be held Monday, August 31, 2026, 10am, at Crown HIll National Cemetery, 725 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN  46208.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 12pm, at Victory Christian Church, 1720 Graham Road, Franklin, IN  46131.