March 24, 1935 – June 25, 2008 James (Jim) Stephen Cole, age 73, passed peacefully in his sleep June 25, 2008. Arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home in Whitesboro, Texas.
Jim was born in Victor, Montana, on March 24, 1935. He was the eldest child of Alva James and Nina Stephens Cole. Jim attended Victor schools and graduated in 1953. In school, he was active on the sports teams and in the band. Jim served three years in the Army at Holloman AFB-New Mexico as a pole-lineman and cable splicer. After being discharged in 1957, he began a career in grocery-produce management. In 1961, Jim moved to Dallas, Texas, and started a thirteen year career with Minyards Food. In 1970, he met and married Janet Call of Grand Prairie, Texas.
Jim realized a lifelong dream in 1974, when he and Janet moved to Nome, Alaska, to manage the U.S. Mercantile. Within five years, he had a team of sled dogs which grew from five to forty-five dogs on average. By 1981, Jim was working for Nome Business Ventures and training to run the 1982 Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome. He ran and finished that race with many wonderful memories and stories to tell. His face would light up when he spoke of the dogs and racing them.
Jim later worked for Sitnasuak Native Corp. as assistant manager and later as a manager, of their
Anvil City Station which held the Napa Auto Parts and Honda ATV dealerships. In 1996, Jim retired. He and Janet moved back to Texas, to the Sherwood Shores community on Lake Texoma. Jim loved being outdoors and enjoyed doing yard work for himself and others in the neighborhood.
He learned the art of woodworking from his father-in-law, John Call, and used a scroll saw to make many beautiful baskets and other craft items.
In 2002, Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but was able to continue with his various interests for another year. In January of 2004, he began going to the Time Out program sponsored by the Soroptimist Club of Gainesville at Stanford House. He especially enjoyed the craft activities and looked forward to going each Wednesday.
Jim is survived by his wife, Janet, of Gordonville, Texas; an adopted son from previous marriage, James D. Cole; grandaughter, Allyson H. Cole; grandson, Stephen J. Cole; a sister, Corky Cole, of Penrose, Colorado; brother, Bob (Sharon) Cole, of Hamilton, Montana; and other family members.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the Time Out Program, c/o Soroptimist Club of Gainesville, P.O. Box 601, Gainesville, Texas, 76240; Home, Hospice of Grayson County, P.O. Box 2306,Sherman, Texas, 75091; or the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Dallas Chapter, 4144 N. Central Expressway-Ste. 750, Dallas, Texas, 75204-9627.