James Rowland Cole, best known as Jim or Jimmy, passed away on November 2, 2017 in the loving arms of his wife Margaret King Cole. Jim Cole was born at Denton hospital to Ralph L. and Corine Evans Cole on October 16, 1939.

He is survived by his sister, Janice and husband John Callaman of Krum, Texas and brother, Charles and wife Clarice of Santa Fe, New Mexico and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim Cole loved God, family and UT football. He was a native of Krum and spent his adult life in Denton and Lewisville. Jim graduated from Denton Senior High School in 1958 and played basketball under Coach Vern Lane. He attended NTSC until his final semester when Uncle Sam activated his U.S. Army Texas National Guard unit. Jim loved to tell tales of his 6 years in the military especially the year he spent in the foreign country of Fort Polk, Louisiana. Before deployment Jim married high school sweetheart Jan Ashby in October of 1961. Jan and Jim celebrated their 51 ^st anniversary before her death in 2012. Jim and Jan had 2 children, Rex and wife Betsy Cole of Argyle and Jana Osborn of Lewisville

Jim Cole was a man who dedicated his life to God and his family. He often held two jobs in order to provide them with a quality lifestyle. Jim spent his professional career with Moore Business Forms, USPD, Tydel and the last 17 years with the Dallas I.S.D. Jim was president of the Lewisville Booster Club and volunteer as a coach for baseball, softball and basketball. He never missed a game when son Rex was quarterback for the Lewisville Fighting Famers and daughter Jana's softball teams.

After Jim's retirement he became a full time care giver for his wife Jan, whose health issues resulted in the loss of her legs. A caregiver's job is 24/7 and requires great patience, dedication and a sense of humor. Jim faced his job with his Christian heart and never complained. When asked how he had done so much, he quietly replied, "She was my wife and I loved her. "

In 2013 Jim used Facebook to seek out old friends and renew good memories. Under the primus of looking for his 8 ^th grade math teacher, Aleene King, he reunited with her daughter, Margaret King. Jim and Margaret became friends sharing their caregiver stories and reminiscing about Krum and Denton and cheering on U.T. and Cowboys football. They shared a common foundation based on God, family, friends and kind hearts. A beautiful love matured love devolved and two lonely souls became on amazing couple, over flowing with joy, laughter, admiration and fulfillment.

Jim and Margaret were married on September 13, 2014 surrounded by family and friends. In 2016, one day before they moved into their dream home in Corinth, Jim was diagnosed advanced prostate cancer in his bones. The next twelve months would be a fight for survival while seeking miracles with Margaret constantly at his side. "A BATTLE WELL FOUGHT"

Jim faced death without fear or regret, praising God for the glory of his journey while comforted and cherished by his wife, stepson, Robert Atwill Wick, his children and grandchildren.

Jim was member of Valley Creek Church in Flower Mound.

Jim leaves behind his life's greatest treasures his grandchildren, Sarah Cole of Flower Mound, Lauren Cole and husband Colton Knowles of Aubrey, Kaylee Cole and husband Gatlin Parr of Dallas, Cole Osborn and Reed Osborn of Lewisville, Brianne Wick and husband Sean Campbell of Irvine, Calf. and great granddaughter, Brooklyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ralph "Buddy" Cole Jr., numerous half brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 5-7 P.M. at DeBerry Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the First Christian Church, 1203 Fulton St., Denton, Texas at 11:00 A.M. with burial to follow at 1:30 P.M. at Jackson Cemetery in Krum, Texas. Pallbearers will be Robert Wick, Cole Osborn, Reed Osborn, Gatlin Parr, Colton Knowles and John Nicholson. Honorary pallbearers are Denney Dodd, Benny Ennis, Bobby Batte, John Hall, Dave Seymour, Juan Alvarez, Steven Grant, Sam Gainer, Alan Cole, Les Cole, and David Cole.

In lieu of flowers for Jim's service we are asking a contribution be given to the Denton Public School Foundation in his honor.

Denton Public School Foundation, Inc.
1307 N. Locust
Denton, Texas 76201