Friends mourn loss of man who was involved in church

By Theresa Goffredo

Herald Writer

EVERETT — It takes friends just a few words to describe James Cole Jr. — one of those guys who doesn’t come along very often.

Cole would organize bike trips for his church, where he supported the musical ministry with his singing and guitar playing. He would paint the church for free. He would open his home to people who needed a place to stay. He would house-sit and take care of his friend’s dog.

Cole, 47, was doing just that — taking care of his friend’s Labrador — when he was killed Jan. 8 while driving his station wagon east of Arlington. At Cole’s service Tuesday at Lake Forest Park Seventh Day Adventist Church, 300 people paid their respects, said his mother, Dalores Martin.

"I knew he was doing a lot, but I didn’t realize he was doing as much for people as he was and how much he was loved," Martin said.

Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Shane Anderson said Cole "would constantly go above and beyond."

Cole was a deacon at the Seventh Day Adventist Church where Anderson is pastor. A deacon is someone who would help distribute the church’s resources to those in need, and Cole did even more than that.

"He would take people into his house and invariably find some help for them, and they would live with him until they got on their feet," Anderson said. "We’ll have to fill the gap."

Washington State Patrol troopers are continuing their investigation into Cole’s fatal accident. A State Patrol report said Cole’s wagon collided with a pickup driven by Jacqueline M. Willis, 54, of Arlington.

Cole quit drinking about three years ago when he found Jesus Christ, and he quietly led others to reform, Anderson said.

Friend and fellow musician Wendy Weaver said Cole would be missed.

"We can honestly say that there is no one out there who can match what he did," Weaver said.

You can call Herald Writer Theresa Goffredo at 425-339-3097

or send e-mail to goffredo@heraldnet.com.

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