James B. Cole, Jr. (95) of Chattanooga, went home to be with The Lord on January 18, 2021. He was born on September 19, 1925 to the late Helen and James B. Cole Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three sisters: Kathryn C. Tompson, Shirley C. Wallace and Elinor C. Lamborn, his son Edward R. Cole, his great-great grandson Knox Taylor, his son-in-law Terry Reynolds, and his long-time friend of 84 years, Ed Averett.
Jim graduated from Chattanooga City High School in 1943, University of Chattanooga in 1948, and University of Tennessee in 1951, where he received his Master’s Degree in Chemistry. He was a World War II veteran and was honorably discharged from the US Army Air Corps. He spent most of his life working in industrial chemistry. He had worked at Lookout Oil and Refining Co., Tennessee Egg Company, US Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Maryland, Southern Chemical Cotton Company, Hercules Incorporated, Chemtex, INC., which sent him to India, accompanied by his family, to assist in starting a chemical cotton plant, taught chemistry at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, and worked for TVA.
Jim had been a member of the American Chemical Society, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, Chattanooga Audubon Society, Chattanooga Kiwanis Club, was a long time member of Central Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday School, and was currently a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He very much enjoyed electronics, photography and seeing new places, his violin, and spending time on the water in his sailboat.
Survivors include his Beloved wife of 70+ years Margaret (Peggy) Cole, son Bart (Ann) Cole, daughter Nancy Reynolds, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was very devoted to his family and his life was well spent in helping others.
Visitation and funeral will be at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel (5401 Highway 153, Hixson. TN 37343) on Sunday January 24. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 pm. The funeral service will follow at 2 pm, with grave service to follow in the adjacent Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1505 N. Moore Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37411.
If you aren’t comfortable in attending the service you may join us live for the service at https://www.facebook.com/chattanooganorthchapel/
We respectfully request that "social distancing", wearing masks at all times, and all CDC measures be followed at the funeral home and cemetery.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
