James E. Cole

James E. Cole, 66, of Stevensville, Michigan died at home on Saturday, November 29th surrounded by his loving family after a five year battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 9:30 AM at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Rd; Stevensville, MI with Pastor Gordon Barry as celebrant. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, December 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Donations may be made out to Hospice at Home or Stevensville United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send the family condolences or sign the guestbook may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born July 13, 1942 to Alice E. (Christopher) and Alonzo B. Cole (both now deceased) of Brady Lake, Ohio. He was a graduate of Stow High School (Ohio) and Kent State University. He worked as a NYC social worker while a Chicago Theological Seminary student and as a CTA bus driver, but spent most of his adult life as a City of Chicago police officer, retiring in 2002 as a Lieutenant in the 5th district after thirty-two plus years of service. Jim was known as a fiercely moral man, quick of wit and widely read. His loved his family, his coffee, a good cigar, Mozart and the Church. He has been a role model to the many people who have crossed his path personally and professionally. He will be missed. Surviving him are his wife of forty-three years, Nancy M. (Hofer) Cole, three sons Derek Cole of Wheaton, Illinois, Robert (Diane) Cole of Dunedin, Florida and John (Daniele) Cole of Lisle, Illinois, a brother William O. Cole of New Castle, Pennsylvania, a sister June (Larry) Thomas of Hartville, Ohio, four beloved grandchildren and fifteen nieces and nephews.