James Cole "Jim"

James “Jim” Cole 87, passed away with his family by his side on February 18, 2023. Jim was born on November 27, 1935 in Flint, Michigan to Dorrus (Dorie) Cole and Ruth (Park) Cole. He attended Flint schools and graduated from Flint Central High School where he was active in the drama club and band. Jim, along with his father, owned and operated Cole’s Shoe Store in downtown Flint for many years. Upon his father’s retirement, Jim and his wife Barb opened Collette’s Shoe Store. He also worked in retail for several years before retiring himself and went on to volunteer at Swartz Funeral Home which he loved.

On May 23rd, 1975 he married Barbara Kuehnle at St. John Vianney church. This union united two families. Along with his children, Dianne (Duane Rounds) Koebke, Mark (Michele Kelly) Cole and Anne (Paul Gusie) Cole, he welcomed into his family his stepchildren Linda Kuehnle, Michael (Heather) Kuehnle and David (Dale) Kuehnle and loved them like his own.

Jim loved his family more than anything. He loved and cherished his time with his wife and the time spent with his children. When his boys were young he enjoyed camping and fishing with them and even became their Boy Scout Leader. He enjoyed family trips to Mackinaw Island and Niagara Falls. In his later years he enjoyed spending time watching his grandsons and great-grandsons play sports. He was especially proud of his great-grandsons Ashton Koebke and Boston Koebke and made it his mission to attend as many of their football and basketball games as he could.

Jim was a people person and made everyone he spoke to feel special. He was active in the St. John Vianney church and church choir, the Knights of Columbus Council #695, the Retired Men’s Fellowship of Greater Flint, the Flint Optimist Club and GM Rounders. Jim loved his RV and he and Barb enjoyed camping with many friends in the GM Rounders.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Barbara Cole, children Dianne (Duane Rounds) Koebke, Mark (Michele Kelly) Cole, Anne (Paul Gusie) Cole, Stepchildren Linda Kuehnle, Michael (Heather) Kuehnle and David (Dale) Kuehnle, his sister Nancy Strong, Grandchildren Chad Koebke, Nicholas (Jessi) Koebke and Kristine (Haywood) Denooijer, Great-Grandchildren Ashton Koebke, Boston Koebke, Haywood Denooijer and Alice Denooijer, Nieces Sue (Jack) Niles, Cindy (Craig) Hawkins and Kim (Todd) Ryan, and Nephews Bobby (Thelma) Lewis, Rick Lewis and Brian (Suzanne) Strong. Also, many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Joann Lewis, Brothers-in-law Mike Strong, Robert Lewis and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is reunited with his favorite dogs Mandy and Beau.

Memorial visitation will be held Friday, February 24th 2023 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road from 4-8pm. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memorial Visitation 10 a.m. and Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, with Father Firestone officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #695.