James L. Coole

James L. Coole, 85, of Palm City, Fla., passed away March 19, 2006 in Palm City Nursing and Rehab Center. Jim was a native of Duluth, coming to Stuart in 1970 from Miami, where he was Vice President and Manager of the West Miami Branch of Coral Gables Federal. He was a member of the Stuart Kiwanis Club and past President of the Tamiami Kiwanis Club in Miami. Before his illness, Mr. Coole was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Stuart. He had also been a member of the Minnesota and Florida National Guard. During World War II he served with 750th Field Artillery Battalion in Okinawa and during the Korean Conflict Captain Coole served in the 2nd Infantry and Artillery Division as a pilot of an artillery observation plane flying over enemy lines to adjust friendly fire and collect intelligence information. During his 20 years of military service, he was awarded the Bronze Star and three air medals among many other commendations. In Stuart before retiring, he was Vice President and Loan Officer of First Federal Savings of Martin County. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Stuart Chamber of Commerce. Jim lived a full and active life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A good and caring man to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elaine; daughter, Kathy Durkee of Palm City; son, Gary and wife Beth of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Deanne Cox and husband Jim of Georgia, Melissa Beert and husband, Tom of Stuart; Steve Durkee Jr. of Delray Beach, Wayne Coole of Wyoming, and Douglas Coole of Missouri; four great grandchildren, Courtney and Cameron Cox of Georgia, Austin and Allyson Beert of Stuart. MEMORIAL SERVICE:will be held at a later date.