James Robert Cole

Some knew him as Smiley and others knew him as King but he was born as James Robert Cole in North Carolina to the late Henry and Mary Cole on January 12, 1951.  On Thursday, November 14th James departed this earthly life.  James was married to Evelyn Cole who preceded him in death along with their late son Ajul Cole. 

James completed his 9th grade school year before going to job corps.  There he was introduced to Islam where he continued in his Islamic faith until he departed.  In his earlier years he worked as a long-distance truck driver, part-time as a golf caddy and with horses in Pinehurst.  In 1980 he moved to New York City and continued these same job trades until he retired.  James found joy in playing cards.  Every day, he would find himself at the senior citizens building doing just that, playing cards. He loved watching sports and his favorite football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.  James also loved spending time with special friends and family (Gary Russell, Dwight Cole and Ronnie Bradley) when he would come home to North Carolina.  He had a profound love for his grandchildren. 

James leaves to cherish his memories 6 children; Tarsha Cole of Fayetteville, NC, Lena Cole-Ugbonwa (son-in-law Aggrey) of Douglasville, GA, James D. Cole of Elizabeth City, NC, Kawamie Cole of Gastonia, NC, James R. McKenzie Cole of New York, NY and Zoya Cole of New York, NY.  He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 1 special step daughter Nikki Clark of New York, NY and a very dear and special friend Wanda Coleman of New York, NY.  James also leaves behind 5 siblings; Helen Hatcher of Eagle Springs NC, Ollie Cooper of Eagle Springs, NC, Johnny Cole (Carolyn) of Richmond VA, Larry Cole (Kelly) of Eagle Springs, NC and Roger Cole of Eagle Springs NC., a sister-in-law; Darlene McDowell (Joseph) of Fayetteville, NC and a brother-in-law; Claudis Davis of Robbins, NC to conclude a very numerous amounts of nieces and nephews.

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