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Obituary
Our hearts are broken as we have lost the most wonderful man in our lives. James Joseph (“Jimmy”) Cole came into the world on March 13, 1944, born to James (Jim) and Annie Cole (nee Dunn). He grew up on Torbay Road on their family farm with older brother Jerry and younger brother Leo. Dad often spoke of helping his parents out with the daily chores on the farm, but more often spoke of the shenanigans that three brothers were guilty of. This included the nightly rosary, which they did in three parts, Our Father…Who Art in Heaven…Hallowed be thy name…until one of them giggled and they were ordered to start again.
Dad married Mom, Madonna Manning, whom he met while roller-skating at Memorial Stadium. He was the handsome rebel whizzing down the halls, who was constantly beckoned on the stadium speaker… “Jimmy Cole back on the floor”, while ushers tried to stop him. Mom grew up on Blackmarsh Road and was the daughter of Patrick (Pat) and Mary Manning, who welcomed Dad into their lives – their welcome was much forthcoming than the local neighbourhood boys who would chase him out of Mundy Pond each time he walked Mom home from skating. They had a loving courtship for 7 years and then married on October 5, 1968, they were together for 63 years. Joanne and Jay came along in 1971 and 1973, respectively.
Dad joined St. John’s Fire Department at the age of 22 and worked his way up to the rank of Superintendent until he retired on April 30, 1992. Dad was proud of his profession and is remembered for the leadership, strength and compassion he displayed throughout his firefighting career. During this time, Dad also went to Trades School and got his diploma in carpentry; his work ethic was not matched by many. You had to be up pretty early in the morning to get ahead of him. He instilled this upon us and we have learned from him what it was to appreciate our jobs, and that you have to work hard in order to enjoy the simple things in life.
Dad was a kind father, but sometimes a tough one. He always wanted what was best for us. He taught us to appreciate a dollar and how important it was to save one. He worked diligently and hard to give us a good life and was always seen in a pair of coveralls after he removed his uniform from the fire hall. He came home from the Fire Department at 8:00 a.m. and was out the door again at 8:30 a.m. to do a “hobble” as he always called it.
We had a family cabin on Tobin’s Pond off Salmonier Line where there were countless family gatherings, bonfires, fireworks, games of darts & cards with fellow cabin neighbors and friends. The place was always alive with laughter, good music, and a few scuffs at the end of the night when all the kids were sent to bed.
Dad also enjoyed other fun times over the years, hockey with his Fire Department colleagues, bowling and most recently his dart league with friends in Outer Cove. Dad’s favorite activity was his annual moose hunting trip to Millertown with his best buddy, Wayne Coady, and fellow hunters John and Steve. Over the years there he quickly met and gained new friends at neighboring cabins who shared many a feed, and more than a few swallies. This fun, of course, was always had at the start of their trip, so as to not “ruin” their trip by shooting a moose too early and have to return home and spoil their fun.
Dad was all of the above, but he was most proud to be “Poppy” to his four grandchildren Victoria, Emma, Cole and Rachel, who were his pride and joy and was guilty of slipping a $20 bill into their hands each time he saw them. He truly adored and was extremely proud of each and every one of them for their uniqueness, character and achievements – his face lit up each time they were around, as did theirs. He loved them immensely and the feeling was mutual.
Dad struggled with his health over the years, living with kidney disease and experiencing a stroke in 2015 which led him to dialysis. In true Dad fashion, he met lots of friends in his 10 years at dialysis including patients, nurses, doctors and personnel. He always spoke so highly of the care he received there from the nurses and doctors, and boasted that the nurses loved it when he wore blue as it brought out his blue yes – always a charmer.
Dad is predeceased by his father Jim Cole, his mother Anne Cole (nee Dunn), brothers Gerry and Leo, along with his father-in-law, Pat Manning and mother-in-law Mary Manning, and sister-in-law, Patsy Sing.
Leaving to mourn this huge loss is wife, Madonna Cole, daughter Joanne Taylor (Greg), son James (“Jay”) Cole (Gail), and grandchildren, Victoria, Emma, Cole and Rachel, sisters-in-law Lorraine Cole, Jean Cole, and Margaret Ashford; brothers-in-law Maurice Manning and Gerry Manning and extended family members on both the Cole and Manning side. He also leaves behind his special cousin James (“Bub”) Cole, along with special friends, Wayne Coady, Bob Moran, Jim MacDonald and Bill Hynes, and his Fire Hall family.
Dad is predeceased by both of his brothers, Jerry and Leo. He missed them terribly over the years and we take comfort in the thought of them being reunited now.
We are so grateful for so many wonderful people along the way who provided support and friendship to Dad over the years, with special mention to neighbors, Paul & Theresa Cook. Also, the staff at the Dialysis Unit at Mount Pearl Square, former Waterford location, St. Clare’s and Health Sciences, who all treated Dad over the years.
Dad was larger than life, his heart was bigger & taller than he was, and his infectious laugh and sense of humour is one that will be missed by so many. He had too many friends to count and that speaks to the great man he was.
He never wanted anyone to worry for him – in his words, “I had a great life”. He faced adversity when most would have given up – he was the toughest, bravest, but softest human being that we were so lucky and forever proud to call “our Dad”, “my Husband”, and “our Poppy”. Rest easy Dad, it’s now time to take care of “Jimmy”. We will all be okay, put down your hammer, your work is done. We will be forever thankful for you and your love and will miss you beyond measure. It is with peace in our hearts and smiles on our faces that we know you are reunited with your brothers and up to your shenanigans again.
We love you Dad, Jimmy and Poppy – you truly were the best.
“A heart that’s broken is a heart’s that’s been loved”
Cremation has taken place. Visitation to take place at Caul’s Funeral Home, Torbay, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Friday, January 17, from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Funeral Mass to take place from St. Francis of Assisi Church, Outercove, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11 a.m.
Flowers gratefully accepted, or donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation in memory of James.
2025
Death notice for the town of: Torbay, Province: T-N
death notice James Cole 2025
obituaries notice James Cole 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of James Cole 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
