James L. "Jim" Cole's Obituary
James L. “Jim” Cole, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 22, 1929, to Louis and Bertha (Hughes) Cole in Hart, MI, but called Muskegon home for most of his life. In his earlier years, Jim worked alongside his father, helping tend to the farm, learning many things along the way. He was a dedicated employee of Sappi Fine Paper Mill, where he worked in maintenance for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1993. He was a proud veteran, serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean war, where he was stationed in Germany. On May 19, 1956, he married the love of his life, Martha “Marnie” Neiser at Samuel Lutheran Church. Together they cherished 57 years full of love and laughter. He was a gold card member of the Eagles and was also a member of the Polish Falcons, where he enjoyed a cold beer every Wednesday! Jim was an outdoorsman and loved spending his time fishing and hunting. He was also blessed with a green thumb, which he passed on to his granddaughter, Amy, taking pride in his garden and endless supply of garlic. Jim was a well-known “scraper” always spending his time tinkering with a new project. He had a sweet tooth, enjoying ice cream and his windmill cookies, while always supplying Hersey kisses and Tootsie rolls for the ones he loved. He was a determined and stubborn man that was perfectly balanced with a tender-loving heart. Jim will always be remembered as an amazing father, loving grandpa and old papa, wonderful brother and dear friend to many. He is survived by his children, Leisa (Michael) Galbreath and Larry (Annette) Cole; adopted son, Robert Robinson; four grandchildren, Scott (Katrina) Cole, Christina Chancellor, Erin Galbreath and Amy Galbreath; 8 great-grandchildren, Greg Jr., Mikayla, Jozlyn, Aaliyah, Rayne, Dante, AnnBritt and Lilith; and brother, David Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marnie Cole; four sisters and three brothers. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023, at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 with a visitation one-hour prior. He will be laid to rest at Sunrise Memorial Gardens with Military Rites. Memorial Contributions in his honor can be directed to the American Diabetes Association. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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