James Cole

James Douglas Cole

James Douglas Cole, 90, died peaceful in his sleep on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.  He was born in Erie, PA on January 26, 1925, the son of the late Louis Cole and Effie Schaefer Cole.  James  attended Saint Andrew grade school, Cathedral Prep, Strong Vincent, and Gannon University.  He served in the US Navy during WW II on the U.S.S. Spadefish (one of the top scoring submarines) and later retired from the Navy Reserves as a Senior Chief Petty Officer spending his entire career on subs.  He was given the nickname-Cozy Cole and being a “Bubblehead” was one of his greatest joys and accomplishments.  

James joined the Erie Fire Department in 1952 and retired in 1977.  The day after retirement he became Harbormaster and Immigration Officer for the Port of Erie.  In 1988 he retired as Harbormaster but did the Immigration during the shipping season for the next 17 years.  This allowed James and his second wife Kay to spend time in Florida and travel to different states and six different countries with the International Sub Vets and the Sub Vets of WWII.  He held a Masters license on Steam and Motor Vessels.

James was a life member of the Danish Club, the former East Erie Turners, and the American Legion Post 773.  He enjoyed spending time with his children and friends, hunting, fishing, boating, making furniture, welding, watching sports and telling war stories.  

He was preceded in death by his wife Vera Krivonak Cole, his second wife Katherine Pancerev, son Captain Michael P. Cole (Erie Fire Department), a brother Louis C. Cole (Evelyn), and sister Nancy Wetzel (Dick).

James  is survived by two daughters; Christine Niemi and her husband Allen (Uncle Al), and Colleen Anne Cole along with a son Steve Louis Cole and his wife Jill Kristin.  Grandchildren Eva Valentine Cole, Sarah LaFuria (Frank), Jacob Niemi (Marissa), and  great -granddaughter Gianna LaFuria.  Three stepchildren; Jackie Novacco and her husband Lou and their daughter, Julie (Eddie); Sharon Montgomery; John Pancerev and his wife Nancy and their daughter, Sarah. Two great- step grandchildren Sophia and Eddie, many nieces, nephews and forever in his heart his favorite girl Shirley Robie and the entire Robie Family.  “Fair Winds and Following Seas.”

Friends may call at the John  J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9th and Liberty St. on Monday, November 23rd from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM and are invited to attend Prayer Services there Tuesday at 9:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in St Andrew Catholic Church.  Burial with military honors will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sisters of Saint Joseph Community Support Fund, 5031 West Ridge Rd., Erie, PA 16506.  The family wishes to thank the staff at The Village at Luther Square, AseraCare Hospice and Griswold Home Care for providing exceptional care to their beloved “Big Jim”.