Mr. James E. Cole was born July 23, 1944, in Florence Alabama in the county of Lauderdale, to the late Dixie and Cornelia Cole. He was the fourth child of eight children; and four (4) siblings preceded him in death; one grandchild and one great grandchild.

He attended Burrell Slater High School; and was a member of Burrell Slater Tigers football team. After graduation James relocated to Syracuse, New York and began a career as an electrician through PWA Electricians Apprenticeship of New York.  He worked as an independent contractor serving communities as an electrician and carpenter for over 50 years.

James was the father of 11 children; seven girls and four boys. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Geraldine "Jewel" Cooper in 1964.

He acknowledged Christ in his teenage years at St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Florence. He was an active member of St. John Primitive Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, choir member, and assistant church electrician and carpenter.  He recently reunited his membership with Rock Primitive Baptist Church in Florence.  He loved fishing, hunting, grilling, cooking and spending time with family and friends

Mr. Cole is survived by:

Seven daughters and four sons: Bridget Reeder of Millbrook, AL.; Sharon (Larry) Turner of Lima, OH.; Stephanie (Arthur) Joe of Syracuse, NY; Vince Reeder of Florence, AL.; Angela (Wendel) Ward of Syracuse, NY; Alison Walker of Lima, OH.; Alisa Cole and James E. Cole both of Syracuse, NY; Aaron (Nicole) Atchley of Glen Burnie, MD.; Kristin Clement of Hinesville, GA.; Akeem Graves of Syracuse, NY.

Three brothers: Peter William (Barbara) Anderson, Dixie Calloway (Osie) Cole of Syracuse, NY., and Oscar James (Mary) Dixon of Lima, OH.; as well as 35 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; we extend special thanks to a devoted beloved friend Alice Daniels, Clifford Anderson and special son in law George Wall.