James J. Cola

One of New York’s most prominent Makeup Artists has passed away at age 89.

James J. Cola, whose career spanned Television, Movies, and Theater died peacefully in his own home, in his own bed, in his sleep, on May 24th. He died 15 months after his loving wife of more than 61 years, Rosemarie, passed away.

The son of a Sicilian immigrant father and a mother who was part Native American, Mr. Cola came from humble beginnings in Amenia, N.Y., and his life and work led him to Corona, Manhattan, and Jackson Heights, Queens.

An undefeated amateur boxer, the very tough and determined Mr. Cola somehow carved out a remarkable path that took him from fighting in difficult neighborhoods, to serving his country in World War II, to developing and refining his artistic side to help bring a new approach to Makeup and hair styling.

Mr. Cola was a perfectionist who first honed his craft in some of New York City’s finest beauty salons. He developed a reputation as a master craftsman. Mr. Cola was an Emmy Award winning Makeup Designer for Outstanding Achievement in Design Excellence for a well-loved ABC-TV daytime drama series called Ryan’s Hope.

Mr. Cola was also a longtime and respected presence at New York’s Channel 5, working on the 10 O’clock News and other programs, such as the highly-rated “A Current Affair” with his friend Maury Povich.

Mr. Cola worked on many movies, and was a sought-after presence in an era that relied more on imaginative resourcefulness than on special effects. But perhaps Mr. Cola’s most significant contribution to his craft was as a no-nonsense teacher who trained many of the outstanding Makeup artists who work today throughout Television, Film, and the Theater, including his son Joseph, who he was proud of, and who has won four Emmy Awards for Makeup.

Mr. Cola was also proud of his youngest son James for not only being a very successful Marketing professional, but for also being a kind and good man who was his best friend since the death of his wife.

James J. Cola was a fun-loving man. He loved playing cards, playing the slot machines at Empire Casino, and even playing Christmas Bingo. He loved Boxing and Baseball. He always maintained his strong sense of humor – and the last concert he attended before his wife’s death was at Radio City Music Hall with her and their youngest son, so they could all watch their favorite television comedian perform Live. He loved jokes. He loved hearing them. He loved telling them. He loved laughing with family and friends – and he loved the dynamic sense of humor of his late wife Rosemarie, who had once been a Social Director and Comedian in the Catskill Mountains. Knowing James and Rosemarie, they are already making the people up in heaven laugh.

Arrangements under the direction of Thomas M. Quinn & Sons, Astoria, NY.