James Dee Cole was born November 3, 1937, in Cumby, Texas, the son of Dee Cole and Evelyn Robbins Cole. He died September 7, 2026, in Austin, Texas. He was raised in East Texas spending his early years working for his family telephone company, installing telephone lines and phones, the old-fashioned way – in the house and attics of rural homes.
James graduated from Greenville High School and the University of Texas at Austin. Being very active in civic activities and politics, he was elected as a Democrat to the Texas House of Representatives as a Senior at UT in 1960 at age 23. Rep. Cole served from 1961 to 1975. During that time he was on many committees – some as chair and vice-chair with emphasis on Appropriations, House Administration, Education, Aeronautics, Finance, Elections – to name a few. A special interest was the American Legion Boys State, where he was a counselor and helped direct the program for decades.
Also, a priority was the YMCA and participation as a national board member. In his college life at UT, he was a member of the Longhorn Band, Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity and the Tejas Club. After retiring from the Legislature, he served as House Administrator before going to Washington DC to work for Congressman Ray Roberts and his successor Ralph Hall.
He is survived by Donna Beth McCormick, Rebecca and John Dockery, Tom Cole and two nieces. Service will be September 30 at 1:00 pm at the Texas State Cemetery, located at 909 Navasota St., Austin, TX 78702 followed by burial at 2:00 pm.
Tombstone –
James Dee Cole
Nov. 3, 1937
Texas House of Representatives 1961-1975
Elected at age 23 while a Senior at The University of Texas, Member of Longhorn Band and President of honorary band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi; Member of The Tejas Club
Served on many committees: Appropriations, House Administration, Education, Aeronautics, Finance, Election but a major function was House Administrator.
Counselor at American Legion Boys State. Worked for Congressman Ray Roberts and Ralph Hall from 1976-1996.
