John Bradfield Cole of Empire, MI, age 78, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 5, 2022. He was born to Arthur Newton and Annabelle Cole in Detroit, Michigan. John was born the second child of three.

He held undergraduate degrees in English and political science and earned a Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. His area of expertise was international treaty law.

John was an avid reader with a clever sense of humor. He also greatly appreciated nature, especially in Leelanau County, Michigan. John enjoyed the debate and was a good listener. He had a warm heart and often said, "The greatest indication of true intelligence is kindness."

John is survived by his children Jonathan Bradfield Cole (Annette) and Marissa Cole; brother Arthur Newton Cole II (Deborah); nephew Arthur Newton Cole III (Nicole); nieces Laura Elizabeth Cole, Leslie Martha Steele (Brian), and Tate Idie Whitney Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Mary Ann Cole.

The family would like to thank the staff at Munson Medical Center, especially D5. Their care and compassion were truly exceptional.

Cremation services were provided by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Those who wish to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to The Leelanau Conservancy, 105 North First Street, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654; or online at https://leelanauconservancy.org/donate/