James N. Cole

James Norman Cole, of Coldwater, formerly of Eaton Rapids,  passed away due to complications from COVID, September 5, 2021, at the age of 73. Jim was born in Louisville, Ky., March 22, 1948, to Arthur and Martha (Schmidt) Cole Jr. He proudly served with the United States Airforce during the Vietnam War with the rank of Master Sargent, retiring in 1986 after 20 years. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and a former member of St. Peter Catholic Church. Jim was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He owned and operated the Home Towne Financial Co. for many years, sponsored many sports and school athletic programs in Eaton Rapids and Lansing and was heavily involved with the Veterans War Memorial Statue in Eaton Rapids. Jim enjoyed playing golf, traveling in his motor home with his wife Kay, watching NASCAR, putting together model cars and was an avid Michigan fan. The family would like to thank the nursing staff in MICU Ascension Genesys Hospital for their compassion and care of Jim.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kay Cole; daughters, Theresa (Keith) Komora of Eaton Rapids, Shawna (Jason) Green of Spring Arbor; sons, Todd (Andrea) Kandaris of Ariz., Chad (Jennifer) Cole of Grand Blanc, Scott Cole of Lansing; seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tammy Kandaris; and grandson, Dylan Cole.
Funeral services were held on September 10, 2021, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 150 Taylor St., Coldwater, MI 49036. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities. Interment will take place in Rosehill Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.