Dr. James Nathan Cole

Cole - Dr. James Nathan (Nat) Cole was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 24, 1945, and almost 79 years later, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, with loving family, friends, and his golden doodle CC by his side, passed into God's Grace at his residence here in Jacksonville, Florida. Nat was born into humble beginnings. His Father was a Master Plumber/ Steamfitter, his mother a homemaker and seamstress. He never forgot from whence he came. He credited his Father for giving him a strong work ethic; his Mother for his faith in God, and desire to try and always do right. Their gifts were the very hallmark of his being throughout his life, and although he had his fair share of setbacks he always doubled down and found a way right the ship. Nat was the first in his family to pursue a college degree. A lifelong Nole, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Florida State University in April 1967, and after earning a Master's degree in 1973 at the Baruch College in New York City, returned to FSU to earn his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Government in August 1979. For a number of years Nat taught graduate political science courses as a member of FSU's adjunct faculty. Nat could often be seen around town driving his prized possession - his customized Nolemobile. It provided an opportunity to make many new friends while gassing her up or picking up takeout at a local restaurant. He always provided opportunities for photo ops, of which there were many. Fittingly he donated her to the Jacksonville Seminole Boosters to raise money for his Noles. Nat was particularly proud of his Naval Service. After college he declined a military deferment, enlisted, and was commissioned a Navy Ensign in February 1968. He went on to serve 30 years active and reserve, retiring in March 1998 as a Navy Captain. During his career he completed three successful command tours, including that of Naval Reserve Intelligence Area Commander for the seven subordinate commands in Florida. He was the recipient of five personal awards for meritorious achievement and service appropriate to his rank. Nat enjoyed a varied civilian professional career as a Fingerprint Technician 2 in the old Florida Sheriffs Bureau. He was a former Special Agent with the Naval Investigative Service, then served in the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, where he was the State's first Law Enforcement Science Advisor. He went on to head the Governors Highway Safety Commission, then served as the Director of the Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Fire Science Programs, and Director, Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Training Institute at what is now the Florida State College Jacksonville. When Bob Graham was elected Governor of Florida in 1979 Nat was invited to join his senior executive staff as his Public Safety Policy Coordinator, a job he held for four years, and in Graham's second term Nat concluded his time in state government as one of three Assistant Secretaries leading the Country's third largest corrections system. After public life Nat established a successful consulting practice which he headed for over 20 years providing business consultancy to owners of architectural, building engineering, general construction, privatized corrections, contract health care, and food service corporations. Nat was active in the Isle of Faith United Methodist Church, where he had served as Chairman of Finance, Church Treasurer, and as a member of the Church Council. He truly loved his Church family and felt blessed by their outpouring of love during his illness. Over the years Nat devoted much of his time and effort to the development of the Church's Community Engagement Park, which he envisioned as a way for the Church to be a part of and not apart from the community it served. Nat's recreational passion was golf. Although his skills declined over the years, he was avid in promoting the game. For the last 20 years he was the Commissioner of the Wednesday Senior Golf Gang-some bearing his name, which group is now based at the Jacksonville Beach Municipal Golf Course. Nat often described his job as that of a cat herder, and that unfortunately the cats were all his friends. Nat's other passion was as a songwriter, something not known but to a few of his close friends. Learning the craft in old age Nat penned over twenty country/Christian/Americana pieces, many giving glimpses into his story, and contemporary issues we all face in life. Nat felt blessed to have two families - one by his prior marriage and another by his second marriage. Whether by bloodline or by law he took great joy in being a part of their growth and accomplishments as they have launched into a brave new world. Nat is predeceased by his parents Nathan Allen and Mary Evelyn Cole, his siblings Jay, Douglas, Michael, and Kathleen (Ellis), and his former wife of 34 years, Kathleen.
Nat is survived by his wife Beverly, daughter Jennifer (Smith), grandson Cole (Smith), nephews, and nieces, Stephen, David (Ellis), Robert, Michelle (Russo), Deborah, Lorraine, three stepsons, Rick, Jonathan, and Zach (Jackson), six step grandsons/granddaughters, Baley (Balke), Bryant, Brynley, Jonathan, Anna Grace, and Julia, Jake, Eli and too many great nieces and nephews and great grandchildren to name.
A memorial service will be held at the Isle of Faith United Methodist Church on January 20, 2024, at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers Nat has requested memorial contributions be considered to the Isle of Faith United Methodist Church's Community Engagement Park Fund, 1850 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main Street, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. 904-249-1166.