A sincere smile comes across my face when I think of the Cole Family!  It makes me sad that this was unexpected and the news came as a shock to me, I am even more disappointed that I didn't get to attend the service, but it is not because I didn't want to be there. The Coles were a constant, the only constant, in my life for many years.  They thought me how to love, be strong and forgive, qualities that I have and charish to this day.  Thank you so much for love and support for all those years.  My love to all the Coles!

So sorry to hear of this sad news. I remember many good times growing up in Warm Springs with the wonderful Cole family. Prayers are with the family at this tough time.

I was 11 yrs old living at the Children's Home when Mr. Cole became the director of the Children's Home. Looking back I have a lot of great memories while living under Mr. Cole's leadership. We never went without and always felt loved. I'm sure he never had to wonder where Brian was because he was one of us or at least we thought so. The values that were instilled in his sons were evident by the love they showed us. While listening to the people speak at Mr. Cole's funeral reminded me that when I was in the 5th grade myself and 2 other girls decided we wanted to run away from the Home, which we came back the very day we left. Fast forward a few years,I was 15 yrs old and was living with my mother and it wasn't working out so I took a cab and was dropped off at the front entrance of the Children's Home. I'm sure when Mr. Cole had heard that I wanted to come back he was thinking "Well it wasn't so bad here after all". I never got a chance to thank Mr. Cole for allowing me to come back. It changed my life for the better. Mr. Cole showed that if you work hard and help those who have been abandon that you won't live a life of regret. I'm reminded of the song by Ray Boltz "Thank you for giving to the Lord". See you in Heaven.

Mr. Jim & I had a couple of patients together. He was a very robust gentleman,you always knew where he was comming from in thoughts and opinions, and just easy to work with. He was  great for our male clients. If you needed someone too cover a shift he would. Thank you Mr. Jim for giving your time.

While I was at your service today I had a speech all together and I was going to say it but I kind of froze up and I couldn’t.  I wish that I could have seen you again. Like last summer when they had the reunion at Judy’s house. A few people said how laid back you were and I would have like to have seen that. I don’t think that we “kids” got to see that and if we did I truly can’t remember. So I wanted to let you know that even though you are not with us anymore, only in spirit. I wanted to say that at my time living at the Baptist Home from ages 12 to 16, I can now look back and know that I was very blessed to have known you. You are truly an inspiration to us all as we should all try to help people no matter what kind of situation they are in. When I was a kid, I could be a brat and sometimes hard to control. Sometimes you could be very hard on me and sometimes I did need it. I think that I had more work hours than anyone ever! To this day I do not rake my yard. :)  But now being a mom of 3 kids, I am learning that sometimes you have to be hard on your kids especially when you want them to do right.  I know that you had to be hard on us if we needed it, and well I know that I did need it. It’s like we were your kids too, even though you were not our Dad.  You always gave us a chance even if I didn’t need or want it.  I would like to think that I am a better person today because of the impact that you had on my life as a young teenager. You never truly know or appreciate someone until they are gone, so I just want to say Thank you Mr. Cole, May you never be forgotten.  Thank you to Brian, Daryl and Ms. Helen for sharing this wonderful man with all of us.

On behalf of my wife, family and crew, we will all, truly miss Mr. Jim Cole. I met him as he was helping the Homeless and drug addicted. He often would call just to update us on some of them we knew. We have known Jim for several years, but have had the honor of maintaining his home and property for about a year.:He was a kind man who knew Jesus and I believe he lived the Marine Corps Motto "Semper Fi", therefore, this day, he walks in the clouds with Christ Jesus himself. He truly exemplifies the term "Greatest Generation"! God Bless Mr Cole and Ms Helen, pls stay strong!!

I did not know this man. 
I do know his son.... a son who loved and respected his father and all he stood for. I saw this man through that son's eyes and saw a beautiful soul who gave much to others. A man who stood for honor, who stood with honor. 

"And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.  "

Jim was one great person. We talked by phone about a year ago and decided that life was to short - we never got a chance to visit much over the years. but I often thought of him and his wife Helen. I remeber going to Lincoln and watching Mission Impossible and spending the week ends with the both of them. I will always hold found memories. Good by old friend and God Bless - Jim Ballee

OBITUARY

Jimmie L Cole

June 8, 1936 – April 6, 2011

Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery

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