COFFIN JAMES HENNING

LTC James "Jim" Henning Coffin was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/29/2010 at the age of 81.8
Corvallis, OR
Flight Class VMO-3
Date of Birth 09/15/1928
Served in the U.S. Marine Corps
Served in Vietnam with III AMF in 66-67, VMO-3 in 68-69
This information was provided by SSN search Sep 2010

More detail on this person: Lieutenant Colonel James H. Coffin, USMC (retired) Sept. 15, 1928 - June 29, 2010 James Henning Coffin was born to Howard William and Fanny Henning Coffin on Sept. 15, 1928, in El Paso, Texas. He was the youngest of their three sons, and was preceded in death by William Cameron Coffin and Charles Howard Coffin. Jim attended La Mar Grade School, El Paso High School, Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy, Texas Western College and Southern Methodist University. He earned a bachelor of arts degree at Long Beach State, Calif. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Aviation Cadet Program. In early 1953, he was designated a naval aviator and commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant USMCR. During his assignment to Korea, he flew AD Sky Raiders with a tour as Forward Air Controller. After Korea, he was assigned as a basic flight instructor in Pensacola, Fla., then to Marine Recruit Training Depot, Parris Island, S.C. He served in Japan and Okinawa, transitioning into flying jets and helicopters. He was assigned Asst. Naval Attache to New Delhi, India, and Katmandu, Nepal. Upon returning to the United States, he received refresher helicopter training with assignment to Vietnam. After being shot down, he spent six weeks aboard the USS Repose recovering from a broken back. He returned to Quantico, Va. His last year of active duty was at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Calif. Retiring on July 1, 1972, he moved to Oregon, envisioning life as a gentleman country farmer. Instead, fortunately, he managed the Oregon State University Horticulture Research Farm in Corvallis. A number of the professors were hunters, and took him into their group. Jim hunted worldwide, but believed the best hunting was the last 25 years spent with his Horticulture friends. He also became a working member of the American Custom Gunmakers' Guild, at which he plied his trade. Jim passed away June 29 at his home in Corvallis, with family and friends at his side. He is survived by his two children, Matthew Cameron Coffin of Anaheim, Calif., and Michelle Kimberly Trevisiol of Albany; and by his dedicated longtime partner, Elizabeth Howe of Corvallis. A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. July 15 at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, Corvallis. Remembrances can be made to Marine Toys for Tots or Benton Hospice Service.

This information was last updated 08/29/2017

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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