Obituary - James Manning Cole

James Manning Cole, 74 of Richmond, Virginia was called to be with the Lord on August 19, 2021. He was born February 26, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Charles Manning Cole and Frances Snellings Cole Southward. He was member of Skipwith Methodist Church in Henrico. He is lovingly survived by his bride Lillian Phillips Cole of Freedom Maine, sister Joan Cole Ligon (Leonard “Buddy” Ligon) of Chesapeake, Virginia; sons Charles Joseph Cole (Ariel Megan Cole) of Richmond, Virginia, and James McTyre Cole (Vanna Gornik) N. Chesterfield, VA; niece Angela Christine Ligon of Chesapeake, VA and grandchildren Carter Joseph Cole and Langley Gray Cole of Richmond, VA. Jimmy was an avid sports fan and historian who loved a good book, a good game, and a good time. His stories and quotes from Jim Valvano, Sir Winston Churchill and Yogi Berra will forever be ingrained in our memory. He always longed to be by the water- whether in the Northern Neck or in North Carolina. Some of his greatest memories took place on the Outer Banks where he helped oversee Seascape Golf Course and enjoyed special moments, by the ocean, with friends and family. He was a long-time baseball and softball player in the Richmond area and later coached more than 20 years at Bethlehem Little League. He also coached at St. Benedicts Parochial School and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School.

He would often be seen around town (slowly) taking care of his ‘odds and ends’- whether cruising in his Buick, heading up to the VFW or driving his bride to see his grandson play baseball- taking “the scenic route”. Legend has it Jimmy never went the same way twice…

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethlehem Little League, Skipwith Methodist Church or a family in need.

The family will honor James with a celebration of life at a later date.

When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me

I wish you wouldn’t cry
The Way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We did not get to say

I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
Each time that you think of me
I know you will miss me too

When tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand

The angel said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And That I would have to leave behind
All those I Dearly Love

But When I walked through Heaven’s Gates
I felt so much at home
When GOD looked down and smiled at me
From his golden throne

He said This Is Eternity
And All I promised you
Today for life on earth is done
But Here it starts a new

I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And Since each day’s the exact same way
There is no longing for the past

So When Tomorrow starts without me
Do not think we’re apart
For every time you think of me
Remember I’m right here in your heart

-Dr David Romano