James R. Cole, Sr.

James R. Cole, Sr. 70 of Sand Lake, died Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Spectrum Health United Memorial Hospital, Greenville. Jim was born September 28, 1945 in Cedar Springs, MI the son of Waldo and Mary (Day) Cole. He was a graduate of Cedar Springs High School Class of 1963 and was a truck driver for Spartan Stores retiring in 2007 after 34 ½ years. His real passion was farming and being in the outdoors. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving are his wife, Gloria (Ostrander) whom he married on June 28, 1963; sons, James Jr. (Lisa), David (Dawn), Jon (Sandra); 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brothers, Max (Cindy), Bill (Kathy); sister, Patricia (Pat) Holland; brothers-in-law, Gary Baxter, Gerald Parker; sisters-in-law, Laura (Larry) McCrory, Leone Conner; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Doug (Jean) Randall, John Frantz; his springer spaniel, Bear; and his cat, General Mattis. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Ruth Baxter, Beverly Parker; brother, Arthur Cole, Sr.; nephew, Kevin Cole. The family will greet friends Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The service will be Tuesday at 11:00 am at the Jesus Non-Denominational Church, 9206 W. Peck Road, Greenville. Pastor Tommy Turner officiating. Interment Trufant Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.