James Leon Toland

James Leon (Jimmy) Toland, Jr., 85, of Coatesville, PA passed away Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at his residence. James was born in Chattanooga, TN on December 10, 1935, a son of the late Vivian (White) Arnold and stepfather Andrew (Cooly) Arnold and father James Hawkins Toland.

He was the husband of Brenda V. Culclasure Toland with whom he shared 50 years of Life & Love.

Jimmy served as an Airman in the United States Air Force for four years until he was honorably discharged.

In 1959, James became a member of the Doo Wop group Little Tommy and the Elgins. The group was formed after performing on the streets of Coatesville. The band performed gigs at colleges, fire halls, VFWs, and American Legion halls. Their big break came in 1962 when they performed at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, which was also televised on the Grady and Hurst’s Summertime at the Steel Pier TV show. Two of the band’s biggest songs were “I Walk On”, and “Never Love Again”.

After pursuing a music career James went on to work for the Coatesville VA Hospital and the Embreeville State Hospital.

He was a member of Hutchinson Memorial UAME Church Coatesville, PA, where he received the Fisherman’s Award by Rev. Jeffrey Miller for consistently inviting people to the church.

He enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique vehicles where he would showcase them in the  Coatesville Christmas Parade and high school proms.

He was known for his Toland's Friends and Family Labor of Love cookout. Most of all James loved spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pop Pop”.

Jimmy leaves dear memories to his wife, beloved Brenda; seven children: Sabrina White (Mark) of Panama City, Florida, Karen Toland of San Francisco, California, Dawn Toland-Logan (Gaylan)  also of San Francisco, California, Carmen Tinson (Gregory) of Wilkes Barre, PA, Fontel Toland (Sherri) of Coatesville, Sherri Toland Robertson (Andre) of Durham, NC,  and James Toland of Coatesville; one sister, June Shorts of Philadelphia; 18 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

A 1-hour public viewing will be held from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Hutchinson Memorial UAME Church in the R.L. Davis Fellowship Hall, 825 East Chestnut Street, Coatesville, PA. Please enter through the rear of the building adjacent to the parking lot.

Homegoing Services will be held privately for the immediate family.

WATCH THE SERVICE LIVE on Zoom beginning at 10:45 AM on Wednesday, Aug 11th.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82313819427?pwd=SHZPSWVpSDlOd2JGbEJtaEZWZXFyQT09

Meeting ID: 823 1381 9427
Passcode: wright

Interment with full military honors will be held at Philadelphia Memorial Park, Frazer, PA.

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