My Father, My Friend

I loved my dad more than I can explain. He sacrificed so much in his life for me, and I hope to do the same for my son. Words can’t describe the loss and sadness I feel for his departure, but the memories and photos I have, as well as his teachings throughout the years will provide comfort in times of need.

On this day, one year after his passing, I am going to celebrate his life by having a fillet, baked potato, green beans and a great beer for dinner. That was his favorite meal. With every bite I am going to remember a special memory of him, as I do everyday. He passed at 2:05 p.m. the the afternoon, and at that time today he should be on the 8th tee of the most magnificent golf course in heaven, playing with some of his close friends. And I know what he will be having for dinner.

I love and miss you deeply, dad.

Here is a repost of his obituary for those that may want to read.

James Patrick Coulon, age 81, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 11, 2012. He was a resident of Carmel, Ind., and then Hernando, Fla.

Jim was born on March 11, 1931,  in Chicago, Ill., and attended Loyola Academy and Loyola University, where he studied architectural engineering. Jim served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1955, and fought in the Korean War. He was an accomplished salesman for Kaiser Aluminum most of his career, as well as a successful entrepreneur. In the mid ’70s he started, developed and was president of two companies, The Carmel Ice Skadium and The Bookworm of Carmel, both located in Carmel, Ind. He loved hockey and coached for many years at the Skadium. Jim was a devout Catholic and attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. In Florida, he was on the building committee that established and developed St. Scholastica Catholic Church. Jim was Commandant of the Hernando, Fla., detachment of the Marine Corps League, following the code of “once a Marine, always a Marine.” He was a wonderful father, husband, friend, teacher, coach, role-model and Cubs fan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy; son, Timothy Michael (Jennifer) Coulon; daughter, Patricia Ann Wilson; grandchildren, Joshua Vincent Coulon, Brittany Lynn Rohrig, Marlee Ann Rohrig, Frank William Rohrig III, and Domiana Tea Marie Rohrig.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 16, 2012, at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto, Fla., and inurnment followed with military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.