James R. Cole

James R. Cole, age 81, of Lamar, passed away Thursday July 14, 2011 at Barton County Memorial Hospital.      James was born November 16, 1929 at Virgil City, Missouri, one of the two sons born to Chester B. Matt and Valeta (Hammer) Cole.  He graduated from the eighth grade in Montevallo and then moved with his family to Weiser, Idaho.  After graduating  from high school in Weiser, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea.  After fulfilling his army duty, he continued to serve his country in the Army Reserve.  With great pride in his country and the military, James was first a member of the El Dorado Spicer-Grimsley VFW and currently an active member of Lamar VFW Post 3691.      On January 26, 1955, in El Dorado, Missouri, James married Marilyn Sue Marshall and they made their home near El Dorado where James farmed and worked at International Shoe Company.  In 1965, James and Marilyn moved to California and James worked at Chromizing and PGP Metals until moving back to Missouri in 1986.  James was the custodian for the Lamar National Guard Armory until retiring in 1996.      Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marilyn, of the home; a son, James "J.B." Cole, a grandson, Jimmie Chester Cole, and four great-grandchildren, Braden Cole, Kayli Sue Cole, Shelby Lynn Forst and Layli Forst, all of Lamar.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Susie Irene Marshall of rural Jerico Springs; two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Maxine Cole, El Dorado and Netta Belle & Bob Cory, Lockwood; three nephews, Gary & Lalen Cole, El Dorado and Duayne & wife Susan Cory, Polo, Missouri; two nieces, Myrna Cole, El Dorado and Susiette Leilani Cory, Polo; four great-nephews, Nick & Zachary Cole, El Dorado, Luke Isaac Cory & Earl Marshall Leo Anson Cory, Polo; one great-niece, Jorgia Kelley Cory, Polo; and a large circle of good friends.      James was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Melvin Cole; and a daughter-in-law, Phebe Cole.      Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19th at Daniel Funeral Home followed by full military honors conducted by Lamar VFW Post 3691.       Burial will be in Greenfield Cemetery, south of Jerico Springs, at a later date.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Lamar VFW Post 3691 in care of Daniel Funeral Home.