National Coast Guard Museum Honors James J. Coleman

The National Coast Guard Museum Association, Inc. takes great pleasure in presenting the inaugural Alexander Hamilton Award to James J. Coleman, Jr. in recognition of his seventeen years of outstanding service in support of the National Coast Guard Museum.

At a special ceremony on December 2 hosted by the New Orleans Port Authority, Mr. Coleman was presented with the award named in honor of Hamilton, who established the Revenue Cutter Service, a predecessor of the U.S. Coast Guard, in 1790.

Mr. Coleman, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Coast Guard Museum, Inc., was being recognized for his remarkable efforts and success in establishing the National Coast Guard Museum, which is being constructed on the historic downtown waterfront in New London, CT.

Richard J. Grahn, President and Executive Director of the National Coast Guard Museum Association said Mr. Coleman was chosen to receive the award because of his steadfast commitment to the museum. The project, which is now in the pre-construction design phase, will be a celebration of the Coast Guard’s 225 years of service to the country, a salute to the courage and skill of its dedicated men and women, and a glimpse into its exciting and vital future.

“Exemplifying the spirit reflected in Alexander Hamilton’s letter (establishing the Revenue Cutter Service), Mr. Coleman has led the NCGMA with a ‘cool and temperate perseverance in his duty,’” Grahn said. “Through his exemplary leadership, vision, and support, Mr. Coleman’s significant and enduring contributions have made this important museum a reality.”

James Coleman was born in New Orleans in 1941. He attended Princeton University, earning a BA in 1963. He studied law at Oxford University, earning his JD from Tulane in 1968. In addition to his business successes, he has been active in civic life for many years. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1986.

He is the former chairman of International Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT), a family-run company engaged in the handling, story and shipping of bulk liquids. Mr. Coleman has also served as managing partner of the New Orleans law firm Coleman, Johnson, Artigues & Jurisich and as president of Coleman Development Company.

Mr. Coleman has pursued a lifelong interest in sailing, yachting and fishing, and has served on the Coast Guard Foundation Board for many years. In his role as chairman of the National Coast Guard Museum Association since it was created in 2001, Mr. Coleman has overseen the efforts in site selection, retention of design professionals, and the hiring of a permanent staff. He has generously provided the necessary leadership and financial support at these critical stages.  

Recognizing the critical relationship between the Museum and the cherished New London Union Train Station, Mr. Coleman stepped forward and purchased this historic property to maintain the momentum of the Museum project he so ably placed in motion.

Grahn said: “Mr. Coleman’s contributions exemplify the core values of our Coast Guard, and his dedication, unwavering support, and commitment to the National Coast Guard Museum are to be most heartily commended.”