James "Cole" Berger

James "Cole" Berger
It is with heartbreaking sadness that we announce the sudden loss of our beloved "Cole". A cherished Son, Husband, Father and Friend. He was killed by a senseless and horrific act of violence in his own front yard on the 22nd of June 2021. He was just 37 years young. He had his whole life ahead of him but was robbed of it so malevolently. He is survived by his loving wife Lisa Berger, Daughter Harmony (age 6) and son Jackson (1yr) as well as his father, Kenneth "Ken" Berger; mother, Deborah "Debi" Berger; and sister, Isley Berger.
While the community and family have been dealing with this horrible shocking news and the perpetrator behind bars, it still does not provide comfort to his loved ones. For the many that knew him, or even knew of him, Cole lived a life rooted in Love. His presence always lifted the vibe in the room. He had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable and always greeted his friends with big warm hugs. He was a gentle giant. A kind quiet man who liked the simple things and expressed to everyone how little he wanted or needed out of life because he had it all.
Weeks after this tragedy, family and friends still remember his warm caring smile the surplus of kindness this gentle man had in him and his undying love for his family, friends and above all his babies he left behind. His passion in life were his children, his family and his love for the great outdoors. Cole taught not only his children but also his nieces, nephews and friends' children to do all outdoor sportsman activities. They all looked up to him. His weekends were often filled with exciting happy memories of camping, hunting and fishing trips with not just his family but also his chosen family (his close friends).
"His smile reflected love like sun off the glassy water and he gave the biggest, warmest, heartfelt hugs! May all who were graced with his presence carry on his legacy of Love! Keep faith and love alive and let us remember everything we learned from Cole and share those big hugs! flash that loving smile every chance you get." – Tommy Thompson (close family friend)
A Celebration of Life in his memory was held July 18, 2021 at Rockin H Ranch in Palm City, Florida with a private concert performed by local artist Tom Jackson. There, many of his close friends and family were able to gather together to support one another in the remembrance of their lost loved one. The event was full of good times, cherished moments and great souls celebrating the ways he had touched their lives. Just the way he would have wanted it.
Cole was "a giver" in life as well as after he passed. Because of his generosity as an organ donor, his family has already been notified that, two people have already been given the gift of sight from his corneas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please carry out a random act of kindness for someone else and/or make a donation, in his honor, to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org ) a cause that Cole contributed to and supported whole heartedly during his lifetime.