John "Jack" Frederick Coleman

John Frederick Coleman (Jack) of Old Mission Peninsula passed away December 21, 2022, in the comfort of his home and in the care of his family. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of Frederick John and Louise (Langerman) Coleman and the caring brother to his sister Jean. Jack was the loving husband of Madelyn (McClure); the loving father to Kimberlee Coleman (Stuart Jeffares) and Jennifer Coleman; the loving grandfather to Lauren Marie Newland (John), Cameron-Jolie Jeffares, and Cooper Coleman; the loving great grandfather to Jay Callen Newland and Jack Caden Newland. Throughout his life, Jack enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family members. Jack attended Toledo University and received his medical degree from Ohio State University. He completed his medical internship at Toledo Hospital where he met his wife of over sixty years. Jack then pursued residency training in anesthesiology at Henry Ford Hospital. While in his residency program, Jack joined the United States Air Force Reserve serving as a First Lieutenant Medical Officer at Selfridge Air Force Base. He was subsequently promoted to Captain. In 1961 Jack and Maddie were drawn to Traverse City and chose it as their home. Here Jack began his 30 year long career as an anesthesiologist working primarily at James Decker Munson Hospital, now Munson Medical Center. Dr. Coleman was a Fellow with the American College of Anesthesiology and a member of the Grand Traverse Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He was an active member of the Michigan State Society of Anesthesiology and served as their President. Jack also served as president of The Traverse Anesthesia Associates P.C. for many years. As an advocate of lifelong learning, Dr. Coleman never turned down an opportunity to share his knowledge with his daughters, health care team members and community service groups. Although he officially retired from practice in 1991, he continued to attend weekly medical conferences to stay up to date on current topics. In 1964 Jack and Maddie bought the home on Old Mission Peninsula that would become their family’s permanent residence. Jack served on Peninsula Township Zoning Board for many years. His quick wit, wisdom, and commitment to upholding the values of the Peninsula residents was appreciated by his colleagues. Together they worked hard to help maintain the natural beauty and rural charm of Old Mission Peninsula. Family travel was a priority. Ski trips, initially to Boyne and later to Colorado, were the source of many great memories. All family members were expected to attend “ski school” for at least half the day before enjoying family ski time together. Family road trips to far away destinations such as Montana, California, Florida and Maine were common and many favorite family stories came from travel related adventures and mishaps. Jack and Maddie made sure that the girls visited almost every state and used family trips to expand their appreciation for history, new experiences, places, food, and people. Jack preferred the road less travelled and had an uncanny talent for finding the best local diners and ice cream shops along the way. One of Jack’s favorite trips was to Seattle to visit his daughter Jennifer. Together they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Northwest including a quick visit to the Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood. Motorcycle trips were among Jack’s favorite vacations. He toured Europe on his bike with Maddie and was delighted when his daughter Kim agreed to accompany him on a tour of Nova Scotia. Jack traveled much of the United States on his motorcycle with his “biker buddies” and enjoyed their early Sunday morning rides for coffee. Traverse City was the perfect place for Jack to live his adult life as it offered him the opportunity to live a life where he could give back to his community and enjoy his favorite interests including: building an ice boat, sailing, sports car hill climbs, attending old car shows, downhill skiing, ballroom and country dancing, and being a member of the Northwestern Railroad Historical Society. Jack loved classic automobiles and trains. May Jack be remembered for his love of family and friends, his dedication as a physician, his sense of humor, the smile on his face and the glint in his blue eyes. Yes, he was quite a guy. The family genuinely thanks the physicians and staff of Munson Medical Center, the Munson Palliative Care Team and Munson Home Hospice Team for their kind and compassionate care. Jack’s desire to spend his last days at home was made possible with the support of the Home Hospice staff and an outstanding team of private nurses and caregivers. At Jack’s request, a gathering of family and friends is scheduled for June 21, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm in the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Garden. Memorials can be directed to the following organizations: Cherryland Humane Society, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Munson Hospice or Munson Palliative Care.