John Thomas “Jake” Coats, 77, passed away on August 10, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven, Mississippi. He was born on May 9, 1949, in Selmer, Tennessee.

Jake spent his entire career in the automotive industry, working for companies that contracted with Ford Motor Company. In the later years of his career, he trained Ford technicians, helping them earn certifications in specialties such as hybrid and diesel systems. Teaching others came naturally to him, and he took pride in passing along his knowledge to the next generation of technicians.

Jake had a lifelong love of cars and motorcycles, and there was seemingly nothing he could not build or repair. Over the years he constructed decks, fences, a barn, and even a waterfall for his pool, and he was as comfortable with plumbing and electrical work as he was under the hood of a car. He always had a project underway. He enjoyed traveling with family - especially Disney World with all of his grandchildren. When he wasn’t working with his hands or traveling, he could often be found watching old westerns — a habit that earned him good-natured teasing from his grandchildren, one of whom once asked why Grandpa was always watching “gray TV.”

Jake was known for his stubborn and boisterous spirit, and for being a perpetual teacher to everyone around him.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ada Coats and his sister, Ann Rafferty. He is survived by his son, Brian Coats, his daughter, Kristin Long (Andrew) and grandchildren Ryan, Hannah, Bennett and Olivia.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.