James Albert Cole Sr.

Obituary

James Albert Cole, 70, passed away on July 24, 2019 at the Saint Luke’s Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born June 16, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri to Odis V. Cole and Ruby Spencer Cole.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967.  After high school he joined the United States Army in 1968 where he served two years.  After returning home from the Army, he worked for U. S. Gypsum Company for many years.  He also worked for Julian Construction as a contractor and for the Creekwood and Brookside Apartments in Building Maintenance.

James married Barbara Ann Sims of Kansas City, Kansas.  They were happily married for 35 years.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, son, grandfather and friend.  His smile would light up a room.  He was an excellent carpenter and handyman.  He loved working with his hands and loved helping anyone he could.  His favorite past time was playing dominos, even naming himself “The Dominologist”.  He was very laid back; a peanut butter sandwich and a bowl of cereal was all he needed.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, and they adored their PaPa.   His passion in life was two stepping.  Known by many in clubs throughout Kansas City as “Soft Toe Cole”, who infamously raised his pants leg while dancing to show off his shoes or socks.  He was very stylish in his suits with hats to match.  He was a dear friend to many, loved by all who know him, and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Odis and Ruby Spencer Cole; brothers Odis Cole Jr.; Walter Cole; Ronald Cole; Dennis Cole; George Cole and Michael Cole.

James is survived by his wife Barbara A. Cole of Kansas City, Kansas; children, Cassandra Cole of Aurora, Colorado; Yawana Hobley (Thomas) of Kansas City, Missouri; Dion Collins of Kansas City, Missouri; James Cole Jr. (Tammy) of Davenport, Iowa; LaJuana Sims of Aurora, Colorado; Cecilia Anderson (Carl) of Kansas City, Kansas; Floyd Newman (Lisa) of Kansas City, Missouri; Robin Mays (William) of Independence, Missouri; Terry Allen (Erica) of Kansas City, Kansas; sisters, Marva Jean Bell (Louis) of Benicia. California; Odessa Askins of Kansas City, Missouri and Candace Cole of Kansas City, Missouri; 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

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