Judge John Michael Coleman died in Oldenburg, Germany Friday, December 10, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathryn Emrich Coleman; son Graham Keith Coleman and his life partner, Alexandra Varela, of Oldenburg; daughter-in-law, Laura Mauldin Coleman, of DeLand, Florida, wife of Judge Coleman's son Craig Michael Coleman, who passed from this life on August 2, 2021; and by Craig's chosen son, Logan Fry; sister Deborah Bowden (Scott), nephew Dustin Brownlee (Frances), both of Luthersville, Ga; nephew Rich Brownlee (TammyJ) of Silex, MO; and niece Jessica Brooks (Josh) of Greenville, Ga, and families.

Born in Jonesboro, Georgia on January 12, 1947, Coleman studied Classical languages at the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society. He then attended Candler School of Theology. He interned in Washington, DC as a journalist, serving as Assistant Managing Editor of Soldiers Magazine. During this time, Coleman met his beloved wife, Kathy, in Alexandria, Virginia. The two married in Louisville, Kentucky in 1975 and moved to Heidelberg, Germany, where Coleman worked as Editor in Chief of EurArmy Magazine. The Colemans returned to Athens in 1977 after a two-year "honeymoon" abroad.

Returning to Georgia, Coleman attended law school at UGA. After practicing law, Coleman was sworn in as Chief Magistrate Judge of Clarke County in January 1989. He was elected to four consecutive terms.

Coleman was learned beyond the bounds of his legal career, with a fondness for nuanced arguments, little-known facts, and a well-turned phrase. An avid music fan, Coleman played tuba in the UGA Red Coat Band and in the Classic City Band; and sang with Athens Master Chorale, the Chapelwood United Methodist Choir for 38 years, as well as Chapelwood gospel quartets. Coleman's appreciation for music, literature, cars, and motorcycles was rivaled only by his deep love for his community, his family, and friends.

Coleman will be sorely missed. There will be a Memorial Service at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 100 Janice Drive, Athens on Saturday January 15th. Visitation from 10-11:30am with the service at noon. Donations may be made to Chapelwood UMC or The American Heart Association, in memory of Michael Coleman.

Posted online on December 22, 2021
Published in Athens Banner Herald