Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote defines success as: "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
By the time James Charles Coyle 84 passed from this world in Atlanta, GA on April 5, 2024 while holding hands with his beloved wife Pat, his life had embodied that quote, and most importantly, he had enabled thousands of people from around this world to breathe easier during his life. His life was a complete Success!
He was born on June 13, 1939 in NYC, NY to the late Loretta V. Coyle (Kenny) and James Francis Coyle, and was a brother to the late Loretta V. Butler. He was a graduate of St. John's Prep. HS and St. John's University, NY. Following graduation, he embarked on a distinguished sales and executive career in the apparel industry with the Cluett Peabody Co. (The Arrow Shirt Co.) which spanned 40 years and 8 cities. In retirement Jim served as a transportation volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital, pursued his passion for golf at Dunwoody Country Club, founded the DCC Saturday morning "Coyle Golf Group", traded stock and bonds, played cards with golf friends, traveled extensively, never missed being on the sidelines for his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, and generally provided his sage wisdom and advice to family and friends on an ongoing basis for the past 25 years.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63+ years Joan P. (Pat) Coyle, five children, James G. Coyle (Sheila), Pamela G. Johnson (Cody), Patricia A. McGarty (Kevin), Lisa M. Cook (Michael), and Timothy S. Coyle (Linda), thirteen grandchildren, James Patrick Coyle (Paige), Ryan K. Coyle (Frank), Sean R. Coyle (Catherine), Madison B. Johnson, Mackenzie L. Johnson, Jack C. McGarty, Alexandra K. McGarty, Michaela B. Cook, James M. Cook, Peter W. Cook, George T. Coyle, Mary Grace Hopkins (Ben), and Margaret A. Coyle, and three great grandchildren, Stella Maris Buckman, Rory L. Coyle, and James P. Coyle, Jr.
Those that loved him or considered him a friend will always remember him as a fierce competitor in the business world, on the basketball court, baseball diamond, football field, and golf course, a leader, mentor, expert story/joke teller, and confidante in troubled times. While we mourn his loss we will always remember his positive outlook and the way he treated others. As many of his friends have recently commented, "He never said a bad thing about anyone, and no one ever said a bad thing about him." Not a bad legacy and a great life lived.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Roswell, GA, on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM, with a reception to follow at the church in McNamee Hall.