On the morning of April 22, 2020, Jim entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a courageous battle with a prolonged illness. He was comforted by his loving wife and children in his final days. Throughout his illness his faith in the Lord never waivered, and he never questioned the Lord.
Jim was born on July 2, 1942 in the Norton Creek community in Sevier County, TN to Ray and Kate Cole. He started as a brick and block apprentice under his father at the age of 12 years old and went on to become a well respected mason and General Contractor for the remainder of his life. The quality of his work can still be seen today in the construction of several colleges, hospitals, motels and fine homes throughout Tennessee.
After committing his life to Christ in 1993, Jim’s main priority became serving the Lord in humility and sincerity of heart. At any given opportunity he was always witnessing to others about the goodness of the Lord. Jim was faithful to the church, serving on Pastor’s Councils and in the ministry of benevolence; he recognized that his blessings came from above, and he blessed others in return (many that we know of and many that only eternity will reveal). His life exemplified Micah 6:8. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Second to his love for the Lord was his unwavering love for his family. He made sure that his children and grandchildren had an easier life than he had growing up. Jim loved horses and raised Appaloosas, Paints, and Quarter Horses, becoming a life long breeder of the Skipper W line. From an early age, Jim dreamed of having a ranch out West, and because of his faithfulness, the Lord gave him the desire of his heart when he and Betty moved to Broadus, MT in 2019.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Kate Cole, his son Jon Richard Cole, his brother Bobby and his sister Connie.
Jim is survived by the precious love of his life and wife of 58 years, Betty; his son Jimmy Cole and wife Tina; his son Joseph Cole and wife Lisa; his daughter Candace Sims and husband Jon; Katie Seago, who brought so much joy to their lives; sisters: Betty Jo Reagan, Pat Reed, Lou Lafollette (Larry), Nancy Clabo (Denny); grandchildren: Walker Cole (Ashley), Cheyenne Cole; Taylor, Madison, Sydney, and Joshua Cole; Jonathan, Nathan, Sarah, and Josiah Sims; one great grandchild on the way and several nephews and nieces.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider giving to your church’s benevolence fund, world missions, or a local family in need.
Special thanks to the medical staff at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, MT.
An entry in Jim’s journal read, “Help me, I pray, to finish my life totally dedicated to you.” Praise the Lord for answering that prayer!
Mark Wolfe says
Jim let his light shine. He was a kind man that loved Jesus and wasn’t a shamed to tell you. He was a real friend and when you was around him you wanted to be a better person. Jim will be missed but he is present with the Lord. I’m so thankful I got to make a friend with him. Until we meet again.
Mary April Rollins says
I’m so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family we love y’all
Marvin Rauhuff says
Jim was one of the best compassionate and caring for any that he met
Kylea Cole Hardin says
Thoughts and prayers to all the family. Love and miss you all always.
Don (Donnie )Ward says
My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy and your whole family . What a great example he left for us to follow .
Tyler Hall says
Jim, words cant describe the sadness in my heart but I know without a doubt that you’re in a much better place. You the best friend a man could ever ask for and all you did for me and my family will never be forgotten. You’ll forever be missed and love deeply. Praying for all the family, I love you all
Wanda Tun says
I remember when we were very young what a gentle, compassionate person Jim was. Lord , comfort his family and give them peace in knowing Jim is rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and with family that were there to greet him to his eternal home. Jim set the perfect example of what a true follower of Jesus we are to be.
Rose Reagan says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family The last time I saw Jim was at my husband Ed’s retirement party in 2011. Ed passed away last September so I think him and Jim are rejoicing together in heaven now and loving their new home. Love and prayers to you all.
Bill R Myers says
Although I grew up with Jim in Pigeon Forge, I left for the military about the time he built the “Stratton” and stayed away a long time so, we lost contact over the years. I really liked Jim and always a very nice person to be around! I’m sorry for the family’s loss!
Lynn Maples says
What a man, so proud to be part of his earthly family, and more proud to be a part of his heavenly family. Growing up Jim was exactly like he was when God called him home. Just somebody I always aspired to be like. He will be missed more than words can ever say. This poor old world needs more Jim Coles in it. A man totally committed to his Lord and family. I know personally Jim helped many people in need. I already miss him so much. I had Jim on a plateau not many people can ever attain. The thing that would please Jim most is if you have never accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, do it before it is to late. Just a simple prayer to ask Jesus to forgive you for your sins and accept Him in your heart and live the rest of your life for Him, then you can join Jim and all other Christians in Heaven with our Lord and Savior—–THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. Many prayers for Betty and all the family.
Fred and Judy Shults says
Jim was a wonderful person and a class act! Although we have had little contact in years, he has always been in our thoughts. We shared so many great times with Jim snd Betty in the sixties when we were both newlyweds. Those memories will last forever. Rest In Peace our friend. Prayers for Betty and the family.
Marty Polakowski says
I believe Lynn Maples said it all in his statement of Jim’s legacy as a Christian, as a man, son, husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. He will greatly be missed and i am privileged to have been a member of his earthly family and look forward to being a member of his heavenly family. May JESUS wrap you in HIS arms and give you peace and Comfort as only HE can give
Jane Thompson says
I am saddened to get this news, I met Mr. Cole at my store several months ago and scensed a kind spirit within. My prayers and condolences to His family.
Janice L king says
Sorry for your loss , I know the pain you feel! It is a good feeling knowing he is safe with Jesus and you will be together again. That helps to keep us going!
Love and Prayers to your Mom and all of the family!
Janice L king says
535phyllis circle
Kevin Alan Reagan says
Hope you rest in peace!