James Cole

James Lloyd Cole 91, living in Buna, Texas died from a lengthy illness April 19, 2025. James and his wife Annie Clark Cole lived over 25 years In a gated community called Bentwater on Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas before he became incapacitated.

James, who was born September 12, 1933 was the son of Letcher Cole and Pauline Hearon Cole of Columbus, Mississippi. Letcher and Pauline along with their second son Marvin Cole proceeded Jim in death. The third son Thomas Hearon Cole is also from Columbus and still living. Tom and Laura Cole of Columbus, Miss. were the owners of their family Security business for over 40 years and are now retired. They have one daughter Hailey Cole Tucker who is married to Robert Tucker who has 3 children.

The children of James are Kelly E. Johnson and Claudia Letendre of Houston, Texas. Annie had 2 daughters Dory Kaye who died at birth and Kelly Ann Hayes who is now deceased.

The family of Judge Craig Mixson and Lori Rene Mixson of Buna, Texas are the closest related to James and Annie. Lori was instrumental in their move to Buna where she and Craig live close-by for the care and stability of James and Annie.

James is survived by his closest loved ones, wife Annie Clark Cole, Tara Mcgillicuddy, Lara Rhor, Elizabeth Gideon, Lori Mixson, Craig Mixson, Alexandra Mixson, Catherine Mixson, Tom Cole, Laura Cole, Hailey and Robert Tucker, Florence and Bill Caldwell and Julie and Don Edgeworth.

James had several goals in life but the most important was to become a pilot. As a young student in high school instead of playing sports, he could always be found at a local airfield flying small airplanes.

After graduation from Lee High School in Columbus, Mississippi Jim enrolled at the Citidel, a Military College in South Carolina. After two years he transferred to Ole Miss in Oxford, Ms. There he was accepted into the top fraternity. He also became the Wing Commander of the Air Force ROTC. James also led the Cadets to win their first military parade. After graduating from Ole Miss, he entered into pilot training at Marana Air Force Base in Arizona.

After James entered the Air Force, he progressed to the lofty heights of flying supersonic and Jet Fighters while excelling to the title of Lieutenant Col. He also flew the Hospital Ship while serving in the National Guard.

During his National Guard days Jim lived in Fort Worth, Tx. At the time he flew for American Airlines and in due time made Captain flying the 757 and 767. After retirement from American Airlines James was asked to work for the FAA. He was employed for 14 years until his retirement at the age of 79. During the time with the FAA, he was in charge of the Simulators in Dallas/Ft.Worth and Oklahoma City. He often evaluated and did check rides for pilots who flew for other airlines. James was well known among the DFW Fisdo, (Flight Standards District Office) and was very likeable. After retirement from the FAA, he and his wife Annie moved to Montgomery, Texas where they enjoyed golfing and living on and near Lake Conroe.

Their first home was in Walden where they fell in love with the lake life. After a few years, they moved across Lake Conroe into a community called Bentwater. This is where they lived until a year ago when they moved to Buna, Texas. After a year in their new home Jim had a fall which led to his demise. After months of struggling to recover he passed away which was one day before Easter Sunday. He couldn’t have chosen a better weekend to return home. What a weekend to meet Jesus!

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