James B. Cole

Lt. Colonel James B. Cole
Retired US Army

AUGUSTA, GA. - Colonel James B. Cole, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2010.

Colonel Cole was a native of Fairmont, West Virginia where he attended local schools and later West Virginia University. He entered military service with a federalized West Virginia National Guard Regiment in January of 1942 and served in World War II and the Korean War. Various assignments included duty with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 2nd Infantry Division (Korean) and the Southern European Task Force in Italy. His last assignment was that of Assistant Chief of Staff G3 Headquarters, Fort Lewis and 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington, a position from which he retired in January 1961.Colonel Cole, to retrain himself for civilian work, attended the University of Massachusetts in 1963-1964 to pursue a course in Golf Course Design and Turf Management. He was subsequently employed by the University of Georgia for their planned golf course. Colonel Cole is officially credited with designing, directing and supervising the construction and development of the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens, Georgia and, being the course’s first superintendent, a position from which he retired in 1982.

Colonel Cole is survived by one living daughter: Catherine Cole of Hawaii and the late Carolyn Lee Cole Wakeman; a twin brother, Dorsey O. Cole, Jr. of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren: Scott Wakeman, Rebecca Wakeman, Bonnie Wakeman, Cara Beau Bohne and Jacob D. Gerber. Colonel Cole also has three great granddaughters, all who loved and adored him and are grateful to have had him in their lives.

Interment will be in the Bowman family plot in Fairmont, West Virginia. A private graveside family only burial service will be held with the pastor of Mr. Cole’s childhood. Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907, 706-364-8484. www.thomaspoteet.com