F. Jack Cole
February 4, 1919 ~ June 2, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
ASHEVILLE - F. Jack Cole died peacefully at the WNC Baptist Home on 6/2/1010.
Born and raised in Candler, NC, son of Ben H. and Opal Gaston Cole, Cole graduated from Candler High School where he played on the basketball team. Following high school, he went to work for American Enka. He served in the Army during World War II. He rose to the rank of First Sergeant before being discharged following the surrender of Japan.
Following the war, he used his GI Bill benefits to enroll in a Bank Trainee program. He worked at First National Bank until he left to assist in the founding of Carolina Federal Savings and Loan where he served as the Charter Bank Manager Executive Officer and eventually President.
Jack was involved in music his entire life, singing tenor in the SPEBSQA (now the Barbershop Harmony Society), and the Central United Methodist Church choir. He was a member of the Lions Club for over 60 years. He served as president of the Asheville Club as well as District 31 A Governor. Through the Lions, he founded an "old time music" group, "The Sanctimonious Seven" which entertained at various retirement homes in the area.
Jack served on the Asheville City Council from 1977-1984. A life long student of the history of Western North Carolina, Cole served as president of the Western North Carolina Historical Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ben Gaston Cole, sister Alice Cole Iarussi and wife Carolyn Mathews (Jo) Cole.
He is survived by his children, Rebecca C. Pate and husband, Jim of Asheville, Dr. Frederic J. "Ric" Cole, Jr. and wife, Ann, of Portland, OR, and Russell M. "Russ" Cole, and wife, Ellen, of Chapel Hill; and nine grandchildren, Weston and Cole Pate, Ben and Janie Cole, and Deric, Collin, Caitlin, Harrison and Cassidy Cole.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Julie Wilburn Peeler officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801, or to the Asheville Lions Club Eye Clinic, PO Box 2284, Asheville, NC 28802.
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Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Peace
Still think of the great times our families had growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jack’s Family, I have known Jack for many years and Carolyn Jo was in my Class of 43 at Lee Edwards. In life regardless of age, health, or any other circumstance we are never ready to lose our loved ones. The only comfort comes from our Faith in the Sovereignty of God and the manifested concern of caring friends. We are thinking of you at this time. Joe
Jack and Jo Cole were part of my family’s life long before my sister, Ellen, married their son, Russ. Jack leaves us all with the legacy and fine example of a life well lived. Asheville has lost one of its’ finest citizens and native sons. He will be greatly missed.
I knew Mr Cole by working in the Automobile Business for 47 years,he was a fine respected Person,,to Jim and Rebecca and the family ,,you are in my thoughts and prayers,cherish his memories they are forever…
I am very sorry to read of Jack’s passing.
I was a member of the Barbershop Society, at the same time he was, and he was a good friend. He will be sorely missed. Walt
I worked with Jack and Alice at the First Union Bank many years ago. I enjoyed knowing them both and they were such nice people to know. They were always very friendly and helpful. I am so sorry to learn that Jack has died . My sympathy goes out to all of the family.
Rebecca, Jim, Weston and Cole,
What a sad day on earth that we lost Jack, but what a Happy day in Heaven that your parents Rebecca who you devoted so much time to are together and happy! We Love You All and here if you need us
To Russ, Ellen, Janie & Ben–
Even though we only met Jack once, we remember his cheerful, teasing way when he met us as your neighbors on Lakeshore Lane.It’s touching to see Jack’s picture & read about his busy & very productive life. We see you, Russ, in this handsome portrait of Jack! The great thing about our parents is that they are with us forever…even after they have passed on from this world. …we hope your happy memories amuse & comfort you today.
Love, Mary Jo, Chris, Will & Anya
I worked with Jack Cole at Carolina Federal/First Federal for over 17 years and watched Rick, Russ and Rebecca grow into fine adults. Jack and I are sorry to read of his passing but know Heaven’s choir will add another beautiful voice. We would be at the visitation if I were not just out of the hospital from surgery. Our prayers are with all of you.
Our sympathy to the family. Mr. Cole gave alot of young people opportunities in banking. I appreciate his leadership, guidance and his friendship.
Our best to you and your family.
Andrew and Marsha Pate
Ric, Russ and Rebecca,
I will always appreciate the friendship of your parents during my adolescence and young adulthood. Your mom and dad allowed me to feel like a part of your extraordinary family during a time that I needed to experience family in a new way. Their positive example and encouragement to set and pursue goals without turning away from my heritage were formative in my life. Had it not been for Jo, I might not have established a peaceful and loving relationship with my own father before his early death. Your father’s celebration of his Western North Carolina heritage, the history, the land and the music, helped me to embrace it as a gift in my own life. I remember Jack and Jo, and each of you, with deep affection. I wish all of you peace and grace in your loss.
Becky
Will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
We are so sorry for your lose; what a dear sweet person. Please know that you are in our prayers. Take Care.
Mr. Cole came by to visit me daily when I was his neighbor in North Asheville. He was a great fiddler, a worthy storyteller and a very good friend. His knowledge of local history was unsurpassed. My favorite memory is when I took him to a funeral. He will be missed.
To the Cole Family:
I am very sorry to hear about your dad. Your parents were always so great to ‘us teenagers’ when we were in jr/high school. They were like second parents to so many of us and they were always fun to be around.
Having just lost both my parents with 5 months – one consolation is that your parents are together again. Although even if you are expecting them to pass – it doesn’t make it any easier. Will keep you all in my payers.
Russ, I am so sorry that you have lost your father. I remember how much I enjoyed being invited to his home for family dinners. I enjoyed your father and your mother so much.
Love, Aunt Katherine
Ric, Russ and Rebecca,
I was so sorry to hear of your daddy’s passing. I used to love to come to your house, play with Lady (and then her puppies!), listen to the boys play guitars, and spend time with your parents. They were such wonderful people. I know of the pain of having both parents gone and I hope that the fond memories that folks will share with you during this time will help you to remember how special they were not just to you 3 but to all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Louanna
Rebecca, Ric and Russ:
I was sorry to see of your father’s passing. I first saw him as a patient in June 1998 – and had seen him many times over the last 12 years.
I truly do not recall any other patient who had as much pride in his family as your father did. Every visit he updated me on his children and grandchildren. Sometimes he would even write me a letter to give me an update on an important event or accomplishment of someone in his family.
I know you will all miss him – I lost my father at age 88 in January and still miss him dearly.
May you feel God’s peace in the coming days and months.
Oscar Jenkins, MD, FACC (cardiologist for your father)
We are so sorry for your loss. He must have been a wonderful man. You were all so lucky to have him in your lives. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I just this morning learned of Mr. Cole’s passing. Like Sandra Bowers said in her tribute, he gave young people fresh out of school our start in banking and, in my case, also gave me my start in real estate appraising which turned into my life’s work. The last time I saw him was fittingly at the funeral of one of his fellow Lions, Shelby Horton. Ric, I remember working with you and Russ when the two of you worked summers at Carolina Federal and I also enjoyed singing in the Grace choir with you way back when. My sympathies to each of you. God bless you.
Jo, Rick & Rusty,
So very sorry to hear of Jacks passing, I still remember the first time I met Mr. Cole when you moved into the house on Edwin Place. He was a very nice man and a good neighbor. Again I wish to express how sorry I am for your loss.
Sincerely,
Earle Bass