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James R. Cole

WEST BRANCH TWP, MI – James R. Cole, 74, of West Branch Township, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019, at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, in Detroit.

He was born June 23, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, a son of the late Gerald O. and Nancy J. (Hoffman) Cole. He was a 1964 graduate of Bloomfield Hills High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1988 from NMU.

On January 14, 1966, he married Mary K. Kolb at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Linden.

James served 21 years in the US Air Force and retired in 1985 from KI Sawyer AFB as a Tech Sergeant.

His interests included family, glass working, music and holiday decorating.

James is survived by his wife Shirley, two daughters; Nancy (Brent) Sargent of Blaine, MN and Irene Cole of Gwinn, grandchildren; Shannen, John & Jennifer Sargent and great-grandchild; Phillip Sargent; and son-in-law; David Opperman and his son; Joshua Opperman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Mary in 2014, and daughter; Linda K. Opperman in 2016.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 15, 2019, at 10am in the West Branch Township Cemetery.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com