James T. Coan, 84, died Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 28, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 2-5 PM, Sunday, March 27, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday.

James Bud Thomas Coan was born on June 9, 1926 in Thief River Falls, MN to John Thomas and Clara (Bye) Coan. He grew up on the eastern edge of Pennington County and attended school at the Pershing District #48 School.

James was united in marriage to Betty Mae Stenvik on May 2, 1948 at the Rosendahl Church in Reiner Township. They made their home on a farm he bought when he was 16 years old. Buds passion was farming, he raised small grains and cattle his whole life. He also worked outside of the farm, trapping, logging and brush clearing in his early years, driving turkey truck for Land O Lakes, and he also worked at Arctic Cat for a few years. He served as fire warden for over 55 years.

Buds love was his grandchildren. He loved having them around the farm, teaching them lifes skills and good values. He enjoyed snowmobiling, deer hunting, and a good card game. Auction sales were also a favorite way for him to catch up with the neighbors.

Bud is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty, Goodridge, MN, two daughters, Judy (Roger) Larson, Strandquist, MN, Becky (Tom) Scheef, Thief River Falls, MN, six grandchildren: LouAnn (David) Rux, Strandquist, MN, Brian (Jodi) Larson, Thief River Falls, MN, Jeremy (Erica) Larson, Thief River Falls, MN, Jim (Julie) Scheef, East Grand Forks, MN, Travis (Sara) Scheef, Thief River Falls, MN, Cole (fianc Jenna Puttonen) Scheef, Thief River Falls, MN, five great grandchildren: Taylor & Megan Rux, Jordan & Carter Larson, Bria Scheef, one brother, Raymond (Ann) Coan, Embarrass, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 daughters, infant daughter and Connie Faye, granddaughter Kimberly Larson.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

PALLBEARERS: Jim Scheef, Travis Scheef, Cole Scheef, LouAnn Rux, Brian Larson, Jeremy Larson
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All of the friends from Buds neighborhood