‘My Valentine baby’: Remembering James Coon Jr.: A legacy of education and forgiveness

19-year-old UNF student was robbed, kidnapped, killed in 1995

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As 2025 marks 30 years since the tragic murder of 19-year-old James Coon Jr., his mother, Sharon Coon, reflected on her son’s legacy and shares a powerful message of forgiveness.

James, a University of North Florida sophomore, was carjacked, kidnapped, robbed, and killed in January 1995. His remains were found months later, leaving a community in mourning.

James Coon Jr. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

Two men were convicted in the case. Pressley Alston now sits on death row for the crime. Florida Department of Corrections records show the other man, Dilianjan Ellison, was convicted of lesser crimes and was released from prison in 2004.

Sharon Coon’s face lights up with joy and pride as she talks about her son, James. Having been born on Feb. 14, 1975, Sharon affectionately refers to him as her “Valentine baby.”

A graduate of Episcopal High School, Coon said James was recognized as Florida’s Congressional Scholars Student and was deeply passionate about education and African American history. Her home is filled with his photos, artwork, and memories of his many accomplishments.

James was a bright young man, involved in the Honor Society, Youth Leadership Jacksonville, and the creator of the first local African American History Brain Brawl competition. Sharon emphasized the importance of education and making a difference, values she instilled in her son.

Despite the tragedy, Sharon finds strength in her faith and continues to share her story.

“In 30 years without James, each day I get up, the Lord gets me through it,” Coon said. “Each day I can help another child, I say, ‘hey, thank you Lord.”

James’ passion first and foremost was learning, teaching others, and having a positive influence on others.

James Coon Jr. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

 “It’s not our responsibility to change people, but it is our responsibility to shed light in dark places and to teach,” she said. “My teaching moment came when I had to get on the witness stand and talk about James and look at the brothers in their face and sincerely say to them from the heart, ‘I forgive you, because you know not what you have done’.”

According to police reports, in late January 1995, James had just left a Jacksonville hospital after visiting his grandmother, who was a patient. At some point, the two men carjacked him, stole money from his wallet, and drove him to an area on the northside, and shot him to death.

After his remains were discovered, a celebration of life for James was held at University of North Florida. An on-campus tribute to James now stands celebrating his time there as a student.

 James’ impact continues through the James Lee Coon Junior Scholarship Fund at Episcopal School. Sharon hopes people remember James for the loving person he was and the positive impact he made in his short life.

As Sharon reflects on the past 30 years, she remains committed to honoring her son’s legacy through education and forgiveness.

Click here to learn more about the James Coon Junior Scholarship Fund. She also said people can also support Friends of Brentwood Library.


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