James Cole

-- — James “Bud” Cole, 88, of Traverse City, died July 22, 2011, at Munson Medical Center. Bud was born to Glen and Marie (Keppen) Cole on March 5, 1923, in Kingston. After being raised on his family farm and graduating from Berkley High School in 1940, Bud answered the call of his nation and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. He served on the U.S.S. Wakefield in the Atlantic during World War II. Bud married his best friend, Beth, on April 29, 1943, in New York City. Bud’s career in law enforcement began for the Grand Trunk Railroad. He then moved his family to Berkley, where he started as a motorcycle patrolman. He was promoted to sergeant, detective and finally as chief of police, the position he held until he retired in 1975. From 1975 to 1996, Bud and Beth lived on the bay in Suttons Bay in a home he helped build. In 1996 they moved to Fairhope, Ala., where they enjoyed 10 years of sunshine, warm winters and many new friends. In 2006, when health issues demanded, they returned to Traverse City, where they have since resided in the Estates at Terrace Bluff. They have been surrounded by caring friends and neighbors there. In his spare time, Bud enjoyed piloting his small engine aircraft and being a member of the Traverse City Rock and Mineral Club, the Theater Pipe Organ Club and the Traverse City Elks Club. Bud is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beth (McCracken) Cole; daughter, Marie Cole Graham, of California; daughter, Teresa (Jeff) Cole Mattis, of Suttons Bay; grandchildren, Debra (Sam) LaFon, of California, Melissa Graham, of Washington, Eric (Kristina), of Traverse City, and Mark (Summer) Mattis, of Traverse City; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held this fall at the Traverse City Elks Club. Memorial contributions in Bud’s honor may be directed to the History Center of Traverse City, the Traverse City Garden Club or the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.