James W. Cole, 79, of Hilliard, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at his residence.
A true renaissance man, he could fix anything. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and being outdoors. An avid basketball fan, he could often be found watching a game, especially his beloved Ohio State University.
He was a 1956 graduate of Perry Zane High School, where he excelled in basketball, once scoring 37 points in the first half of a game. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960.
He retired from the City of Columbus, where he worked as an electrician for more than 30 years, including the Columbus Police Department and the Columbus Zoo in his early years. Even in retirement, he kept busy, often completing projects around the house and climbing on the roof to finish a task when no one was looking.
He was born Nov. 3, 1938, in Middleburg, to the late Myrvin and Agnes (Dubbs) Cole. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Richards.
He is survived by his wife of more than 56 years, Linda L. (Mathys) Cole, whom he married Oct. 14, 1961, in Middleburg, and who survives in Hilliard; sons, James Ryan (Betsy) Cole and Kevin L. (Carole) Cole, both of Columbus; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wilson Funeral Home, Mannasmith Chapel. Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Middleburg Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by the Union County Honor Guard.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com.