James Timothy “Jim” Cole of Gloucester, passed away on October 12, 2023. James was born on December 29, 1962 and spent his entire life as a certified diesel mechanic. James was known among his loved ones for his selfless nature and kind heart. He was a true teddy bear, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His greatest joy in life was his grandson, born in February 2023. He was deeply devoted to his family and spent many hours at home with them and his beloved dogs. James is survived by his wife Noel Cole; stepdaughter, Rebecca Clubb and her fiancé James Davenport; stepson, John Clubb and his partner, Jackie Lahiff; grandson, Jamarri Davenport; mother, Norma Cole, and stepfather Robert Cole; father, Hubert Barber and his wife Jackie; sisters, Juanita Fleming and Edith McPherson, and tons of nieces and nephews; god-daughter, Kayla Guill; god-granddaughter Kamber Guill, and a plethora of good friends that turned into family.
If you knew Jim, you loved Jim. He spent his entire life devoting himself to being the guy you can lean on when you need him. Jim was known for his selfless nature and kind heart. He was often referred to as a “gentle giant,” although he was larger than most, Jim was the kindest man many have ever known. Jim took pride in being a certified diesel mechanic, spending all of his working years, devoting himself to auto repair and fixing big machinery. After retirement, he couldn’t get away from the mechanic world—Jim took a part-time job at the local O’Reilly Auto Parts. Many in our community knew him as “Big Jim” in O’Reilly’s. When he was able to get away, he loved to work on his ’67 Impala and attend car shows with his dear friend, Anthony Kent. Jim’s never-ending knowledge of cars, humor, his hugs, his laugh, his words—his presence alone—will all be missed so incredibly much. A funeral for Jim will be held on Tuesday, October 24 at 4 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home in Gloucester.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and share their condolences with the family.