James Jay “Jim” Cole, 84, of Hillsdale passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bankers Cemetery with Rev. Alan Fenstermaker officiating.
A celebration of life will also be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Reading American Legion from 2:00 -6:00 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Reading.
He was born April 24, 1942, in Hillsdale to Richard and Donna (Burkhart) Cole.
Jim spent his early and last years on the sixth-generation farm he loved. He graduated from Reading High School with the Class of 1960. He was a longtime union carpenter and successful business owner. He never shied away from hard work, whether it was his farm or his career in carpentry. In his younger years he helped pick fruit at Greens Orchards, owned by an uncle.
After retirement, Jim looked forward to spending his winters in Arizona, where he loved riding the trails. Back in Michigan, he enjoyed visiting with friends at the Lone Range Café in Reading. He had a special place in his heart for animals and adopted many rescue dogs throughout his life.
Survivors include three children, Steven (Melissa) Cole, Shawn Griffiths and James (Teresa) Cole; fifteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jack (Paulette) Cole of Warwick, Rhode Island and Linda (Tom) George of Coldwater; and many nieces and nephews and cousins also survive. He also held a special place in his heart for Mahalia Conant whom he loved as a daughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Donna Cole.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society.
To send condolences, please visit eaglefuneralhomes.com
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