James T. Coady

James T. “Jim” Coady, 86, Atchison, Kansas, formerly of Afton, Iowa, died Monday, October 12, 2026, at Atchison Medicalodge. He has been cremated and an interment will be at a later date at Green Lawn Cemetery in Afton, Iowa.

Jim was born on March 5, 1940, in Albia, Iowa, the third child of Leo E. Coady and Kathryn M. (Frew) Coady. He attended the local school and graduated from Albia High School in 1958. During his senior year, Jim served as a bus driver.

After graduation, Jim continued in that role and worked other local jobs until he accepted a position as a custodian with the Albia district. When the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, he continued his role as a custodian with the Urbandale School District and then the Johnston School District before retiring.

Jim met and married Connie Sue Sayers on April 20, 1968. To this union, two children were welcomed and they settled into life on the family farm Jim had been born and raised on. They were later divorced. On February 23, 1991, Jim married his second wife, Marilyn Jo Garrett in Des Moines, Iowa. They settled there before later moving to Winterset, Iowa, followed by a move to Afton, Iowa, after his retirement. Jim and Marilyn enjoyed many years there before she passed away. A few years later, he moved to Tingley, Iowa, before his final move to Atchison, Kansas, to be closer to his family.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed many family trips to local lakes and parks. He loved working on all vehicles and had a love of motorcycles that he passed on to his children. Jim was a skilled mechanic and loved working with his hands and imparting his knowledge in later years. He had a passion for home improvements and loved fixing up things around his home. Jim was an avid gunman and loved target practicing at the ranges.

Jim is survived by his children, LeAnn Coady, Weston, MO; and Robert “Bob” (Cherrie) Coady, Atchison, KS. Additional survivors include his three grandchildren, Jake (Chrissy) Coady, Skylar Coady, and Lucas Coady, all of Atchison. Jim is also remembered by four great grandchildren, and one newly arrived great-great granddaughter.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marilyn Coady, a brother, Jack Coady and a sister Jean Teahan.