James Paul Cole

James Paul Cole, 85, Roscoe, Illinois, went to meet Jesus at 9:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2013 in River Bluff Nursing Home.

Born September 28, 1927 in Hornell, New York, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron and Lillian (Caple) Cole. Married the former Betty Novinger in Novinger, Missouri on December 4, 1954. He was ordained a United Methodist Minister in 1957. Served United Methodist Churches in the states of Missouri, New York and Illinois, retiring in 1996. After retiring, he was an Elder for the Rockford Rescue Mission. He was a radio partner with Sandy Goetz and read each Friday for Northern Illinois Radio Information Service. He was a member of the YMCA Retired Men’s Club. Attended Roscoe United Methodist Church. He was also fire Chaplain for Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department for 15 years.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Cole; daughters, Paula (Dan) Pulter, Pamela Meyer and Beth (John) Nagy; seven grandchildren Daniel and Elizabeth Pulter, Nicole (Chris) Darnell, Jamie (Michael) Meyer, Samantha (Matt) Hippman, Robert and Douglas Meyer; two great granddaughters, Paige Newton and Adriana Hippman and one on the way; sister, Marcia (Charles) Hakes and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Edna and two infant grandchildren.

Memorial ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2012 in Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main, Roscoe, Illinois with Reverend Dr. Paul Meyers and co-officiant Harlem-Roscoe Fire Dept. McCorkle Funeral Home – Rockton Chapel, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, Illinois assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Roscoe United Methodist Church Mission or Music Endowment Funds, Harlem-Roscoe Fire Dept, PO Box 450, Roscoe, IL 61073 or Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W State Street, Rockford, IL 61102.