Jess Coffel, 89, of Du Quoin passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center Marion surrounded by loved ones.
He owned and operated B & J True Value and B & J Lawn Equipment in Du Quoin for fifty years. He co-owned the stores with longtime business partner and friend, Bill Hamburger. He was a member of the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin where he worked in various roles as an usher, Bible School teacher, and trustee. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and used his gift to sing in the choir, church quartet, and on other special occasions.
Jess enjoyed fishing, traveling across the US and beyond, and spending time with family and friends. He built his life around connection, hard work, and genuine conversation with everyone he met. Whether behind the counter or out in the community, Jess never met a stranger.
The youngest of five siblings, he was born August 12, 1937, to Jess and Jessie (Brayfield) Coffel. He married Sharon (Norris) Coffel on February 20, 1958, in Du Quoin, IL.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, two children - Rhonda (John) Fleming of Louisville, Kentucky, and Kevin (Debbie) Coffel of Du Quoin, grandchildren - Heather (Brock) Willis, Amber Sargent, Brandon (Skylar) Coffel, Katrina Griffith, Jeremy (Chrissy) Griffith, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, Katlyn (Kane) Toliver, Brooklyn and Addison Willis, Melody and Titus Sargent, August Toliver, Ethan and Paisley Coffel, Lydia and Jack O'Connor, Chase and Penelope Griffith, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Mark (Tina) Norris who was more like a son to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Dale Coffel, Claude Coffel, Jerry Coffel, and Lois Wallace.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin with Rev. Gaylen Holden and Rev. Mark Norris officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin. Friends may make memorials to Gospel Assembly Church.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.