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James McCole Obituary
February 28, 1945 - February 6, 2017
Born in Jacksonville, Fla. to Captain (USMCR) Romanus and Elizabeth Cowles McCole, Jim was raised in Springfield, Pa. He was a proud graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia ("The Prep"), and St. Joseph's College. After graduation from Hahnemann Medical College in 1971, Jim accepted an internship at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, Ca. He loved the Bay Area and decided to call it home forever, settling in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.Jim began his medical career as a DermatoPathologist, but soon realized that he was too much of a people-person to continue a career in the laboratory. He became Board Certified in Family Medicine and opened a family practice in Pinole, Ca. He chose Pinole as being "in the path of progress", which proved to be an astute choice. He loved his patients and formed many lasting relationships with them, to whom he was "Dr. Jim."
He is survived by son, Christopher McCole, his wife Lara and their son James, son Ryan McCole, his wife Angela and their daughter Chloe, devoted partner Lisa Justi, former wife and mother of their sons, Connie Tompkins McCole, siblings Anne Juechter, Sister Julie McCole, John (Jack) McCole, Richard McCole, Jane Thurman, Michelle (Shelley) Coyne, Robert McCole, William McCole, nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.
Jim was an outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. Among his favorites were squash, golf and fishing. He, along with his sons and close friends, would make annual trips to the McCloud River in Northern CA competing for the biggest catch. Jim also loved garage sales and finding (and haggling for) hidden treasures. He found beauty in unexpected places and art among found objects. But his greatest joy was in his relationships. Even more eclectic than his art collections were his groups of friends. Jim saw people's souls regardless of the package. He was a best friend to so many.
Jim passed away in his home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with Amyloidosis.
A celebration of his life will be held at Marin Art and Garden Center on February 26th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders in memory of James R. McCole, M.D.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McCole
Jaren Mun
November 26, 2019
My son Jack was his first patient as I was his second. We had 30 years of his knowledge and patience with me. Youre so missed.
Lori Denham
April 19, 2019
My sincere condolences to his family. I found Jim to be a witty, funny, flirtatious guy, and always enjoyed his friendship. Our sons, JP & Chris, were grade school buddies, until we moved away. Dr. Jim left the world way too young.
April 19, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family of Jim McCole. He was a friendly guy, fun to be around, very flirtatious. My son, JP, was buddies with his son, Chris, when they were in grade school. Dr. Jim left the world way too young.
Wendy Harrison
February 16, 2019
Still miss him terribly. Haven't found a doctor yet who is his caliber.
Cherie Wright
February 14, 2019
He was the best Doctor in the world and haven't found one yet to compare. I miss him terribly and he passed on my birthday! Hope he is catching lots of fish in heaven.
Steve& Donna Dito
March 19, 2017
God Bless you Dr McCole You took care of my parents & my husband & myself for 45 plus years. We loved you & there will never be another like you, Y our humor, compassion & caring cannot be matched. You will be missed.
Confolences to his family he was a wonderful man
Wendy Harrison
March 11, 2017
Dr. McCole was the best doctor my husband and I ever had. He had a common sense approach to medicine and had a great sense of humor. We were devastated when he had to retire due to his illness several years ago. Our condolences to his family.
Sylvia Taberner-Huggins
March 7, 2017
Dr. McCole you will be missed! You were the best doctor that there ever was, I still have not found one that could evey replace you. You were very compassionate and thorough. I went to you for over 17 yrs. You even made house calls with my first husband Rick Jones who was diagnosed with cancer. Then in his passing you told me to "Celebrate like the Irish, do no be sad"!
Mary Quintal
February 28, 2017
Jim was our family doctor for over thirty years. We loved and respected him. He always had time for us, no matter what the issue. He was a friend that was loved by everyone who was blessed to know him. He'd talk about his boys through the years and we feel that we watched them grow up through his eyes. He made the world a better place and he made those around him better people. Our hearts are heavy with his passing. What a wonderful legacy he leaves to his family and all who were fortunate enough to have him in their lives. God bless you, Jim.
Mary, Don, Carrie, Craig Quintal
Doc at Burning Man 2007
Craig Matthews
February 27, 2017
Doc McCole was my parent's MD, then mine, then my children and new wife.
Whenever I needed medical attention, Doc always provided a sense of calm and resolution.
Doc would come into the exam room with a genuine smile and engaging conversation. He'd tell me about fishing, flying (and fly fishing) and vintage clothing, watches, etc.
I'd share stories of my experiences at Burning Man, Doc said he wanted to go sometime. Early in 2007 I came in the office and during the course of conversation I informed Doc that I would be marring my then girlfriend at Burning Man that August. Doc said, "That's it! I'd like to go this year". I invited Doc to camp with us and participate in the wedding. Being the Eagle Scout he was, doc came prepared to survive the harsh conditions and have a great immersive experience. We had the time of our lives!
I'm so grateful to have become Doc's friend. He loved his family and he loved his close friends. I felt the love from both he and his partner Lisa.
My wife & I were glad to attend Doc's Celebration of Life yesterday 2/26. It was a touching remembrence of an amazing man, father, brother, friend, healer, sportsman, adventurer and life-loving individual.
RIP Doc, Godspeed. We'll see you again, on the dark side of the Moon!
Louise Mathews
February 24, 2017
We probably last saw Jim about 50 years ago, back on Providence Rd. in Springfield. He babysat us a few times, and was an inspiration as a neighbor who moved on to be a doctor. My parents heard news of him from time to time as he, and we, moved on. We have fond memories of the McCole family, and extend our deepest condolences.
Susan Mathews Keyser, Lititz PA
Louise Mathews Salt Lake City, UT
Cherie Wright
February 23, 2017
He was the best Dr in the whole wide world, full of wisdom and love, he taught us so much. Tears fell from our eyes when we heard of his passing. It was on my birthday. He was my husband's Dr for 39 years. We can actually say that we both loved him, not very many people can say that about their Dr. Our condolences go out to his family and former patients. Sincerely Eric and Cherie Wright
Lisa Alva
February 23, 2017
Dr. McCole was not only an amazing Dr. he was an amazing person. Our entire family missed you dearly when you retired and we will always remember you. May God Bless his entire family.
Nancy Wisniewski
February 22, 2017
Dr. McCole was the best! I was very sad when he had to gve up practicing. Of course, I was very saddened to hear of his illness. Selfishly,I knew I would miss him so much as my Doctor, and I continue down this path. I never liked going to doctors for many personsal reasons, however. Dr. Jimmy changed that. Of course, I didn't like getting sick, but he had a way of making me feel better just being in his office. I could completely put my trust in him. Talking with him and explaining was like talking with a dear friend.
There will never be another Dr. McCole for me. He became my physician in January 1997 and remained that until sadly he was forced to sell his practice and retire. I wish I started seeing him prior to '97.
My sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends, patients and all who loved him in many different ways.
Paula Lucas
February 22, 2017
Dr. McCole was a wonderful person - besides being a Doctor. My ex-husband and I used to visit him and Sue (his awesome assistant) at his Pinole office for years. Many times we would bring our kids and they loved him. He was always so kind and gracious to everyone. What a wonderful man and his children were so lucky to have such a great Dad!Thinking of you all.
Paula Ghione Lucas
Robin
February 21, 2017
My sincere condolences to his family, he was my Doctor for many years in Pinole and he was such a nice man as well as a doctor I was sad when he told me he was retiring because of his own medical issues I wished him well and gave him a hug and wished him nothing but the best. I know he will be missed.
Cathy Woolley
February 20, 2017
Dr. McCole was more than a doctor, he was a friend to all. You truly could tell him anything and always had a way to put humor in everything. I loved sharing my life with him and hearing about his. One of my favorite stories about Dr. McCole, which was shared by another doctor who graduated with him and confirmed by Dr. McCole was during a suit and tie dinner to recognize all the new Doctors (at least this is what I recollect the dinner was for), dinner was over and everyone was all prim and proper, so Dr. McCole pulled out a boom box, jumped on the table and preceded to break out a strip tease dance. He had the whole place roaring in laughter which broke the ice for all and they all ended up having a great time. I lost contact over time with him (due to insurance and moving) however, thought about him often and still share with others how a wonderful person and doctor he was. Dr. McCole set a standard for me and finding another doctor has been difficult at best.
My heart felt condolences to his family and friends.
Cindy Talley
February 20, 2017
Dr. McCole was my doctor for 23 years in Pinole. It seemed I had shared my whole life with him. He was the one who told me I was going to be a mom not once but twice. In my younger years he was the shoulder to cry on when I needed someone to talk to. We use to laugh cause I called him a one stop Doc. Come in with a cold and get that foreign object on your finger looked at.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. McCole. My condolences to his family and friends.
Allen Hale
February 19, 2017
My heart-felt condolences to Dr McCole's family and friends. He was truly a great man and a wonderful doctor. He cared for the total well being of his patients. As my doctor and my sons doctor for over 20 years. We shared many stories and experiences over the years. He had a way of putting things into perspective that gave comfort and often, comic relief, to his patients. Upon having my first sigmoidoscopy,he reassured me that I had nothing to worry about unless I saw both of his hands on my shoulders - I laughed then and still do today. He helped many people and undoubtedly saved many.
Donnie Hammack
February 18, 2017
My condolences to the family. Dr. McCole was such a young man when I knew him as Secretary to the Medical Staff of Doctors Hospital of Pinole. He was well respected and loved by all who knew him through his association with Doctors Hospital. God bless you! Donnie Hammack
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