To my kids, on hard days
For Tyler, Rachel, Sam and Nia
Do the next small right thing. That is all any day asks of you. Then go eat something good with people you like.
Their life
James Arthur Cole built things. Houses, canoes, treehouses, and — most of all — people. He apprenticed as a carpenter at seventeen and never lost the habit of measuring twice.
He coached little league for twenty-two seasons, and there is still a scoreboard in Flint with his name on the back of it. He is remembered for his terrible jokes, his flawless pancakes, and the way he could make any stranger feel like an old friend inside five minutes.
Obituary
James Arthur Cole, 69, passed away on February 18, 2025 after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Marie, father of four, grandfather of seven. Donations in his memory may be made to the Flint Youth Baseball League.
Gallery
Moments kept
Life milestones
The road they walked
1955
Born in Flint
Michigan winters made him tough and kind in equal measure.
1978
Master carpenter
Finished his apprenticeship and opened Cole & Sons.
1988
First coaching season
Twenty-two seasons of little league followed.
2003
Built the family cabin
By hand, over three summers, with all four kids helping.
Messages They Left Behind
In their own words
From the family
Forty-one years, and you never once let me carry anything heavy. I miss your terrible jokes most.
Dad, I finished the porch. Measured twice. You would have hated the color.
Tributes
Words from those who loved them
Jim made every kid on that field feel like the best player out there. That is the whole job.