James LeRoy Cole Aka Sheft-hat Khnemu Ra

James LeRoy Cole aka Sheft-hat Khnemu Ra 1950—2018
James LeRoy Cole, also known as Sheft-hat Khnemu Ra, affectionately nicknamed "Butch" by his Mother and Siblings, passed away from his Earthly Residence into Eternity on Saturday, October 13, 2018, in La Paz, Mexico. He was born on April 5, 1950 in Freeport, IL, to his Mother, Erma Lee Davis-Cole (Milwaukee) and his Father James Alfred Cole (deceased). At the age of two, he became the 2nd Founding Member of the "Singing Cole Family", with his older sister Linda, later followed by 5 more siblings. Incidentally, Momma Cole and the Family were featured in the "Illinois History" magazine in 1963 & 65 (representing the African American Family in American History). As a Youth, Brother "Butch" displayed amazing Musical and Academic Proficiency, from J. W. Henney Elementary School (3rd Ward) through Freeport Senior High, where he Graduated in 1968. During his High School Years, he was recognized for many accomplishments such as: Receiving the American Legion School Award, Class President, Head of the Debate Team, and Chairman of the Student Council. Besides holding the seat of "1st Chair" Violinist in the Orchestra, being an Eagle Scout and a Member of the Order of the Arrow, he also represented the City of Freeport as the "Governor" of the Boys Nation for the State of IL. He was the lead in several musical productions such as Lil' Abner and Oklahoma. His Educational Genius led him to such Post-Secondary Institutions as IL State University (Champaign/Urbana) and McMurray College (with a Full-Ride Scholarship) to study political science and law. Continuing his Historic Music Legacy, with a contagious "Smile" that brightened the Lives of Many, Sheft-hat became recognized as a Professional Bassist and Leader of several Combos and Bands (working with his Brothers and Friends) throughout the Country and abroad. Later in his Life, he proved to be a "Green Thumb" Gardener as well as a Community Activist for Human Rights and Equality. Mom Cole describes him as: "Thoughtful, Kind, Generous, a True Humanitarian, and Simply the BEST! The COLE Family and the entire World are BETTER because of 'Butch'!" He is survived by his wife Charo Rosario Luz De La Fuente Cole of La Paz, Mexico. His Mother Erma Lee (Davis) Cole of Milwaukee, WI., six siblings, Linda of Flagler Beach, FL; Clyde (Patti) Cole of Freeport, Ill.; Steven (Candace) Cole of Ironwood, MI; Michael (Geraldine) Cole of Dixon, Ill.; Brenda (Billy) Bowers of Mequon, WI; and Carl (Dianna) Cole of Rockford, Ill. Khnemu Ra also is survived by a host of nieces and nephews. He was previously married to Cynthia Currier Cole. There were three children from that union who also mourn his passing: Aleisha Cole of Rock Falls, Ill.; Jacinda (Danairo) Thomas of Freeport, Ill.; and James David Cole of Forreston, Ill., and their children, Sheft Hat's Grandchildren: Trevius Johnson, Jaden Johnson, Triniti Johnson, Selah Thomas, Myrahcle Matthews, Mia Galindo, Marisa Galindo, and Makayla Cole. He was preceded in death by his father James Alfred Cole and a granddaughter Tahlia Nivea-Sharee Piggues.
A Memorial Celebration of Sheft-Hat Khnemu's Life was held on Saturday October 20th at Vessels of Honour Church, Inc. 10055 N. Wauwatosa Rd. Mequon, WI 53097 with Rev. Bill and Dr. Brenda Bowers Officiating. Cards and Memorials may be sent to the Church. A Funeral and cremation with his family and friends was previously held at Funerales Acosta, Carretera Transpeninsular Km13, El Centenario. CP. 23201. La Paz, B.C.S.