Jyles Jackson Jack Coggins

Jyles Jackson (Jack) Coggins went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2011, after a long life devoted to serving others. Though his body had grown weak from illness, he retained his lively sense of humor through his last days, and in the end, his passing was peaceful. The former Raleigh mayor was born in Mooresville, N.C. on January 10, 1921. He was born into a family of five children, when times were hard. Leaving home at the age of 13, he became a farm-hand in Statesville. He worked extremely hard, wanting to help out his family members as he was able. He continued to be known throughout his life for his strong work ethic and generous spirit. As a young adult, he moved to Raleigh and took a job working for the railroad, a job which he loved, and often missed. He was very proud of his military service as a Marine. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant, he became a Naval Aviator for the Marine Corp. and served as a pilot, flying missions in the Pacific during WWII. He was awarded Air Medals eight times, and became one of the few to earn two Distinguished Flying Crosses. Following the war, he returned to Raleigh, and began to work in construction, eventually opening and developing his own business. Construction was not just his job; along with flying, it was one of his passions. He remained fascinated with it throughout his life. On most of the trips he took, he spent much of his time absorbed in viewing whatever buildings were around him. Before he became Mayor of Raleigh, he served five terms in the N.C. Legislature - three in the House of Representatives, followed by two terms in the Senate. During his tenure in the Legislature, he was known for spending much of his time fighting for various bills which would benefit those with special needs. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Frances Katherine Lyon Coggins, whom he has now joined, after 16 years of separation. Also preceding him in death were his parents, James Lee Coggins and Jeanette Coggins, and his brothers Curlee and Charlie Coggins. He is survived by his two sisters: Ann Coggins Westerdahl and her husband Brad; and Ruth (Frankie) Coggins Langdale. He leaves behind five daughters: Frances Rebecca Coggins-Gibson; Anna Katherine Coggins-Tuttle Sherman; Deborah Lyon Coggins Schmidt; Jyles Jacqueline Coggins Gholizadeh; and Judy C. Coggins Petropoulos. He was grandfather to fifteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. To some of those, he was Uncle Jack; and to many of them, he was known as Uncle Dob, an affectionate nickname which had followed him from childhood, and was derived from his penchant for playing in the mudas in mud-dobber. The family wishes to thank all of his caregivers, who have been so devoted to him, especially Wanda, Josephine, Tonya, and Robert. We also want to express our deep appreciation to David Lee, who has been such a faithful companion, helper, and friend to him, and made his life so much better as he struggled daily with the limitations placed on him by illness. The funeral service will be Tuesday, August 30th, 2:00 PM, North Ridge Bible Chapel, 7100 Harps Mill Rd., Raleigh, officiated by Pastor John F. Gordon. Burial will follow at RaleighMemorial Park. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 PM, Monday, at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh (832-8225). Memorial contributions may be made to Raleigh Rescue Mission, 314 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC27601.