James Lee Coone, M.D., 45, died at his home of a brain aneurysm on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.
Jim was born in Atlanta on Aug. 23, 1963, to Jim G. and Janice L. Coone. He grew up in Dahlonega, Ga., where he graduated from high school in 1981. He was an Eagle Scout and won the STAR Student award for his graduating class, given to the individual with the highest SAT score.
A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jim also played varsity football, serving numerous times as captain and winning several game awards as well as the 100% Award.
In college, Jim double-majored in biology and chemistry, winning several scholarships and departmental awards. He belonged to Mu Epsilon Delta, a professional fraternity for undergraduates in the pre-health field, and was named to Who's Who among College Students. He graduated summa cum laude in 1985 and was the valedictorian of his class. That same year, he was the Phi Kappa Phi Fellow in Georgia, a scholarship awarded to students in their first year of post-graduate study.
Jim graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1989, where he worked as a research assistant and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed a residency at Erlanger hospital.
After practicing medicine in Alaska for three years, Jim returned to the Chattanooga area. He owned the Family Walk-In Clinic in Dalton, Ga., for 14 years, where he practiced general medicine.
Jim enjoyed writing music and playing guitar. He was also a licensed private pilot with instrument rating and an animal lover who rescued many strays. A devout Christian, he was a member of the Rock Lutheran Church in Chattanooga and played in the church band.
He is remembered as a loving family man, son, brother and friend; a loyal, caring employer; and a compassionate, gifted physician.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sonja and son, James Matthew, both of Rossville; parents, Jim G. and Janice L. Coone, of East Ridge; sister, Cathryn Coone-McCrary and brother-in-law, Joseph McCrary, of Manassas, Va.; and aunt and uncle, Mary and Al Marks, of Murrayville, Ga. Jim also leaves behind many loving friends.
The family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at First Baptist Church in Blue Ridge, Ga., with services at 2 p.m.
Burial will follow in the Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery in Blue Ridge.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chattanooga. Call 703 992-3868 for details.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.
Akins Funeral of Blue Ridge, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements, 706 632-2267.