Jack L. Coffinger

Jackie Lee Coffinger, age 84 years, formerly of Niles, Michigan; father, grandfather, honorable Veteran, ceramicist, and Nintendo bowler died peacefully at 11:04 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in Saint Joseph, Michigan, a bit unexpectedly, but of natural causes. Jack really liked his caregivers at the hospital - especially the nurses – and his family appreciates those who were present at his death.

He was born on December 16, 1941 in Niles to Thomas J.L. and Alice Louise (Orrick) Coffinger who affectionately chose the name “Jackie”, a name for which Jack had less affection, and avoided all his life. He was graduated with the class of 1959 from Niles High School, and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in the Quartermaster Corps at the former Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, and was honorably discharged after fulfilling his four-year obligation. He returned to Niles, and was first employed in shipping and receiving at the former Niles plant of Kawneer, later moving to the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company where he worked in the book bindery department until retirement in 2003. He continued to live in Niles until moving to Edwardsburg, Michigan in 2006.

Jack had a great interest in ceramics, and enjoyed molding, painting, and firing ceramic artwork. He and his wife established a studio in their home, producing a variety of items, including a special piece which won local awards and competed at the Michigan State Fair. He enjoyed completing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards with friends, and listening to country music classics such as Loretta Lynn.

He had become quite successful at Nintendo Bowling, which greatly amused his grandchildren; and always had a pet dog, including his favorite, “Dozer”, and his current pet, “Honey” who survives. He greatest joy was his family.

On December 20, 1969 at Saint John’s United Church of Christ in Niles he married the former Priscilla Arvilla Robertson with whom he celebrated the forty-eighth anniversary prior to her death on March 28, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his father, Thomas Coffinger and mother, Alice Farris.

Surviving family includes his children, Katherine Swanson of Niles, Martha (& Bryan Lee) Steinhoff of Edwardsburg, and Benjamin (& Angel Lewark) Coffinger of Dowagiac, Michigan; grandchildren, Nicholas Swanson, Becky Coffinger, Bobby Steinhoff, Curtis Steinhoff, Josh Steinhoff, Elizabeth, (& Ryan) Young, Dessaray Lee, Abbie Coffinger, Megan Coffinger, Zoie Coffinger, and Miley Coffinger; and great-grandchildren, Nichole, Addison, Anna, Maison, Alexis, Nikko, Kaiya, and Kaleesia.

The family of Jack Coffinger will gather privately to celebrate his life and share memories. Jack had prearranged his services at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles, who is honored to serve his family and fulfill his request. Online condolences and memories may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Psalms 90:10 suggests that we might live to be 70, or by strength 80, and Jack exceeded that, clearly enjoying life by caring for others. He served in the military, and then was a productive member of his community at two of Niles’ greatest companies. He enjoyed sitting at the ceramics bench, and the jigsaw table, and card table, likely always with a radio playing a country music station. But more important was the people sitting across the table, sharing those experiences and those conversations; especially when Priscilla was next to him, and when his children and grandchildren were in the room.