If you know Toledo jazz, you've probably heard of local saxophone legend Jesse Coleman. He died suddenly over the weekend at only 56-years-old. Now his friends and family are celebrating his life.
As a preacher, musician and father to six, Coleman gave his all to the community he loved.
"He would be here every Thursday night whether he was playing or one of the others was playing down here," says Donna Weiser, owner of ICE Restaurant in downtown Toledo, a spot Coleman frequently visited and played. "He just had a real passion for what he did."
His death came as a surprise to family and friends on Sunday. When he didn't come to church on Sunday, friends and family went to his apartment where they found his body. Family members believe he died from hypertension. He got sick last October when his blood pressure spiked, but loved ones thought he'd made a full recovery.
"It's a big loss because he's not here anymore and he brought a lot to the table for jazz," says Weiser.
"My dad was electric and eccentric," says Tosha Coleman, his oldest daughter. "He touched everybody and he will be missed."
Coleman fans call his death a great loss, but say his legend both in the jazz and church community will live on.
"He just brought everything towards jazz. The people loved him, they loved listening to him. He was just a great artist," says Weiser.
The viewing of Coleman's body will be Friday, February 15 from 7-9 PM at the House of Day Funeral Home. Coleman's wake is on Saturday, Feb 16 at 12 PM at Friendship Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 1 PM.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
