James M. Cole

James "Jim" Matthew Cole, 68, of Coldwater, Michigan, officially found a way to be on the lake forever on August 4, 2026.

Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo, Dad, Daddy-o, Grandpa Jimmy—he went by many names and was, to put it plainly, the absolute best in the business. When it came to being a husband, dad, grandfather, and friend, Jim set the gold standard.

A proud 1975 graduate of Whitmer High School, Jim went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (1981) and his MBA (1993) from the University of Toledo. But his true life’s work was building a beautiful, joyful life alongside his wife, Heidi. Together, they shared 42 playful, glorious, butt-pinching years. They built many homes together, including their sanctuary on Coldwater Lake—Jim’s ultimate happy place. It was there that he could be found kayaking his grandkids around, teaching them to waterski and jet ski, and lounging at the sandbar in signature style.

Wherever Jim was, you could hear him before you saw him, usually whistling or singing along to his favorite music. An outdoorsman to his core, when he wasn’t at the lake, he was skiing up at Boyne, hiking in national parks, or canoeing through the Canadian Boundary Waters with his brother and childhood friends. His dry, razor-sharp sense of humor kept everyone on their toes. Frankly, this whole "dying bit" he’s currently pulling on us isn't particularly funny, but we'll let it slide this once.

He leaves behind his beloved Heidi; their children, Salina (Jonah) Levine and Tyler (Sarah) Cole; his four rambunctious grandchildren who lit up his world—Shepard, Corinne, Asher, and Daphne; his mother, Barbara Emptage and his siblings, Ken (Carol) Cole, Patty (Mike) Glenn, and Lisa (Gary) Drellishak. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Cole (no, not that one).

In lieu of flowers or donations, Jim would want you to go outside, take a walk, admire the birds, and remember that you are loved.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.