James E. "Jim" Cole, age 87 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at his home after a full, well-lived life.
He was born October 17, 1935 in Elwood, the son of Robert M. and Harriett E. (Landseadel) Cole.
Jim was a 1954 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He attended Butler University for two years before transferring to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy in 1960.
During that time, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth L. "Beth" Brewer, on March 22, 1959 and shared 57 years of marriage together before her passing in 2016.
Jim was a licensed Pharmacist for 55 years. He started his career at Hinshaw's Drug Store in Elwood and later worked for Hook's Drugs in Elwood, Ludwigs Pharmacy in Dunkirk, Rite-Aid in Marion, and finally CVS pharmacy in Elwood.
Jim was baptized on April 15, 1963 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood by the Rev. Jerry McCoy and remained an active member of the church for 60 years. He was also part of the Christian Followers class at the church. Jim was a longtime member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230, the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, the Elwood Conservation Club, and the Elwood Optimist Club. He was the current President of the Elwood Kiwanis Club where he was longest tenured member and had formerly served as Lt. Governor of Indiana Kiwanis. He was also a volunteer for the Red Cross for many years. Jim and Beth enjoyed camping with their family through the years and were members of the FAN Trailer Club. Jim was honored to be presented Indiana's highest civilian honor, the "Sagamore of the Wabash", by Governor Mike Pence in 2015. Additionally, he was recognized by Ferris State University for 63 years of perfect attendance at university pharmacy seminars.
Jim was well-known for being active in the Elwood community and gave freely of his time to worthwhile causes. He was a former member of the Elwood School Board for 8 years, the Elwood City Council, the Elwood Park Board, and the Elwood Zoning Board. He and Beth were proud to host numerous foreign exchange students through the years and kept ties with each one of them. There was rarely an event in Elwood that Jim did not attend and support. Later in life, Jim and Beth enjoyed winters in Okeechobee, Florida and made several long-lasting friendships along the way. In recent years, Jim required kidney dialysis which he chose to administer by himself at home. Throughout his health challenges, he always kept a good attitude about his life and never lost his quick wit. Interactions with Jim were always memorable. He remained independent until the very last day of his life.
His family is comforted knowing he has joined his beloved wife, Beth, as well as his good friend, Earl, in Heaven.
Jim's family legacy includes 3 children, Marcy (husband Mel) Fry of Elwood, Martin (wife Stephanie) Cole of Georgia, and Marjorie (husband Mark) Morgan of Cicero; sister, Joan Hosier of Orestes; 13 grandchildren, Troy (Leah) Robertson, Kaylie (Jason) Phillips, Michael Cole, Dani Cole, Jessica (Jeremy) Stewart, Sophia (Bryce) Calvin, Nate Morgan, Ben (Diana) Fry, Andy Fry, Misty Wallace, Sheila Vann, DJ (Holly) Cole, and Damian Cole; 12 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Claire, Elliot, Oliver, Olivia, Jackson, Mercedes, Zachery, Thomas, Alexia, David, and Wyatt; special nieces, Debbie and Cindy; special "bonus" granddaughter, Christy Clark; and beloved lifelong friend, Gretchen Watson and her late husband, Earl, and their family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beth Cole; son, Matthew Cole; and brother-in-law, Kendric Hosier.
A Life Celebration Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2023 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and from 10 to 11 am on Friday prior to the funeral at the church. A Masonic Lodge Memorial Ritual will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Contributor: Member # 47411618
He was born October 17, 1935 in Elwood, the son of Robert M. and Harriett E. (Landseadel) Cole.
Jim was a 1954 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He attended Butler University for two years before transferring to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy in 1960.
During that time, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth L. "Beth" Brewer, on March 22, 1959 and shared 57 years of marriage together before her passing in 2016.
Jim was a licensed Pharmacist for 55 years. He started his career at Hinshaw's Drug Store in Elwood and later worked for Hook's Drugs in Elwood, Ludwigs Pharmacy in Dunkirk, Rite-Aid in Marion, and finally CVS pharmacy in Elwood.
Jim was baptized on April 15, 1963 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood by the Rev. Jerry McCoy and remained an active member of the church for 60 years. He was also part of the Christian Followers class at the church. Jim was a longtime member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230, the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, the Elwood Conservation Club, and the Elwood Optimist Club. He was the current President of the Elwood Kiwanis Club where he was longest tenured member and had formerly served as Lt. Governor of Indiana Kiwanis. He was also a volunteer for the Red Cross for many years. Jim and Beth enjoyed camping with their family through the years and were members of the FAN Trailer Club. Jim was honored to be presented Indiana's highest civilian honor, the "Sagamore of the Wabash", by Governor Mike Pence in 2015. Additionally, he was recognized by Ferris State University for 63 years of perfect attendance at university pharmacy seminars.
Jim was well-known for being active in the Elwood community and gave freely of his time to worthwhile causes. He was a former member of the Elwood School Board for 8 years, the Elwood City Council, the Elwood Park Board, and the Elwood Zoning Board. He and Beth were proud to host numerous foreign exchange students through the years and kept ties with each one of them. There was rarely an event in Elwood that Jim did not attend and support. Later in life, Jim and Beth enjoyed winters in Okeechobee, Florida and made several long-lasting friendships along the way. In recent years, Jim required kidney dialysis which he chose to administer by himself at home. Throughout his health challenges, he always kept a good attitude about his life and never lost his quick wit. Interactions with Jim were always memorable. He remained independent until the very last day of his life.
His family is comforted knowing he has joined his beloved wife, Beth, as well as his good friend, Earl, in Heaven.
Jim's family legacy includes 3 children, Marcy (husband Mel) Fry of Elwood, Martin (wife Stephanie) Cole of Georgia, and Marjorie (husband Mark) Morgan of Cicero; sister, Joan Hosier of Orestes; 13 grandchildren, Troy (Leah) Robertson, Kaylie (Jason) Phillips, Michael Cole, Dani Cole, Jessica (Jeremy) Stewart, Sophia (Bryce) Calvin, Nate Morgan, Ben (Diana) Fry, Andy Fry, Misty Wallace, Sheila Vann, DJ (Holly) Cole, and Damian Cole; 12 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Claire, Elliot, Oliver, Olivia, Jackson, Mercedes, Zachery, Thomas, Alexia, David, and Wyatt; special nieces, Debbie and Cindy; special "bonus" granddaughter, Christy Clark; and beloved lifelong friend, Gretchen Watson and her late husband, Earl, and their family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beth Cole; son, Matthew Cole; and brother-in-law, Kendric Hosier.
A Life Celebration Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2023 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and from 10 to 11 am on Friday prior to the funeral at the church. A Masonic Lodge Memorial Ritual will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Contributor: Member # 47411618
James E. "Jim" Cole, age 87 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at his home after a full, well-lived life.
He was born October 17, 1935 in Elwood, the son of Robert M. and Harriett E. (Landseadel) Cole.
Jim was a 1954 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He attended Butler University for two years before transferring to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy in 1960.
During that time, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth L. "Beth" Brewer, on March 22, 1959 and shared 57 years of marriage together before her passing in 2016.
Jim was a licensed Pharmacist for 55 years. He started his career at Hinshaw's Drug Store in Elwood and later worked for Hook's Drugs in Elwood, Ludwigs Pharmacy in Dunkirk, Rite-Aid in Marion, and finally CVS pharmacy in Elwood.
Jim was baptized on April 15, 1963 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood by the Rev. Jerry McCoy and remained an active member of the church for 60 years. He was also part of the Christian Followers class at the church. Jim was a longtime member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230, the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, the Elwood Conservation Club, and the Elwood Optimist Club. He was the current President of the Elwood Kiwanis Club where he was longest tenured member and had formerly served as Lt. Governor of Indiana Kiwanis. He was also a volunteer for the Red Cross for many years. Jim and Beth enjoyed camping with their family through the years and were members of the FAN Trailer Club. Jim was honored to be presented Indiana's highest civilian honor, the "Sagamore of the Wabash", by Governor Mike Pence in 2015. Additionally, he was recognized by Ferris State University for 63 years of perfect attendance at university pharmacy seminars.
Jim was well-known for being active in the Elwood community and gave freely of his time to worthwhile causes. He was a former member of the Elwood School Board for 8 years, the Elwood City Council, the Elwood Park Board, and the Elwood Zoning Board. He and Beth were proud to host numerous foreign exchange students through the years and kept ties with each one of them. There was rarely an event in Elwood that Jim did not attend and support. Later in life, Jim and Beth enjoyed winters in Okeechobee, Florida and made several long-lasting friendships along the way. In recent years, Jim required kidney dialysis which he chose to administer by himself at home. Throughout his health challenges, he always kept a good attitude about his life and never lost his quick wit. Interactions with Jim were always memorable. He remained independent until the very last day of his life.
His family is comforted knowing he has joined his beloved wife, Beth, as well as his good friend, Earl, in Heaven.
Jim's family legacy includes 3 children, Marcy (husband Mel) Fry of Elwood, Martin (wife Stephanie) Cole of Georgia, and Marjorie (husband Mark) Morgan of Cicero; sister, Joan Hosier of Orestes; 13 grandchildren, Troy (Leah) Robertson, Kaylie (Jason) Phillips, Michael Cole, Dani Cole, Jessica (Jeremy) Stewart, Sophia (Bryce) Calvin, Nate Morgan, Ben (Diana) Fry, Andy Fry, Misty Wallace, Sheila Vann, DJ (Holly) Cole, and Damian Cole; 12 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Claire, Elliot, Oliver, Olivia, Jackson, Mercedes, Zachery, Thomas, Alexia, David, and Wyatt; special nieces, Debbie and Cindy; special "bonus" granddaughter, Christy Clark; and beloved lifelong friend, Gretchen Watson and her late husband, Earl, and their family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beth Cole; son, Matthew Cole; and brother-in-law, Kendric Hosier.
A Life Celebration Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2023 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and from 10 to 11 am on Friday prior to the funeral at the church. A Masonic Lodge Memorial Ritual will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Contributor: Member # 47411618
He was born October 17, 1935 in Elwood, the son of Robert M. and Harriett E. (Landseadel) Cole.
Jim was a 1954 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. He attended Butler University for two years before transferring to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy in 1960.
During that time, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth L. "Beth" Brewer, on March 22, 1959 and shared 57 years of marriage together before her passing in 2016.
Jim was a licensed Pharmacist for 55 years. He started his career at Hinshaw's Drug Store in Elwood and later worked for Hook's Drugs in Elwood, Ludwigs Pharmacy in Dunkirk, Rite-Aid in Marion, and finally CVS pharmacy in Elwood.
Jim was baptized on April 15, 1963 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood by the Rev. Jerry McCoy and remained an active member of the church for 60 years. He was also part of the Christian Followers class at the church. Jim was a longtime member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230, the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, the Elwood Conservation Club, and the Elwood Optimist Club. He was the current President of the Elwood Kiwanis Club where he was longest tenured member and had formerly served as Lt. Governor of Indiana Kiwanis. He was also a volunteer for the Red Cross for many years. Jim and Beth enjoyed camping with their family through the years and were members of the FAN Trailer Club. Jim was honored to be presented Indiana's highest civilian honor, the "Sagamore of the Wabash", by Governor Mike Pence in 2015. Additionally, he was recognized by Ferris State University for 63 years of perfect attendance at university pharmacy seminars.
Jim was well-known for being active in the Elwood community and gave freely of his time to worthwhile causes. He was a former member of the Elwood School Board for 8 years, the Elwood City Council, the Elwood Park Board, and the Elwood Zoning Board. He and Beth were proud to host numerous foreign exchange students through the years and kept ties with each one of them. There was rarely an event in Elwood that Jim did not attend and support. Later in life, Jim and Beth enjoyed winters in Okeechobee, Florida and made several long-lasting friendships along the way. In recent years, Jim required kidney dialysis which he chose to administer by himself at home. Throughout his health challenges, he always kept a good attitude about his life and never lost his quick wit. Interactions with Jim were always memorable. He remained independent until the very last day of his life.
His family is comforted knowing he has joined his beloved wife, Beth, as well as his good friend, Earl, in Heaven.
Jim's family legacy includes 3 children, Marcy (husband Mel) Fry of Elwood, Martin (wife Stephanie) Cole of Georgia, and Marjorie (husband Mark) Morgan of Cicero; sister, Joan Hosier of Orestes; 13 grandchildren, Troy (Leah) Robertson, Kaylie (Jason) Phillips, Michael Cole, Dani Cole, Jessica (Jeremy) Stewart, Sophia (Bryce) Calvin, Nate Morgan, Ben (Diana) Fry, Andy Fry, Misty Wallace, Sheila Vann, DJ (Holly) Cole, and Damian Cole; 12 great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Claire, Elliot, Oliver, Olivia, Jackson, Mercedes, Zachery, Thomas, Alexia, David, and Wyatt; special nieces, Debbie and Cindy; special "bonus" granddaughter, Christy Clark; and beloved lifelong friend, Gretchen Watson and her late husband, Earl, and their family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beth Cole; son, Matthew Cole; and brother-in-law, Kendric Hosier.
A Life Celebration Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 13, 2023 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood and from 10 to 11 am on Friday prior to the funeral at the church. A Masonic Lodge Memorial Ritual will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Contributor: Member # 47411618
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
