James Cole

James Robert "Cowboy" Cole, 97, of Moss Bluff, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 15th, 2025. Cowboy was born December 12, 1927, in Jacksonville, TX. to Joseph and Catherine Cole.

He graduated from Vidor High School and then attended North Texas Agricultural College (NTAC). His athletic abilities won him a Scholarship to Texas Tech University where he played Baseball, Basketball & was in the Rodeo Club, bareback riding & calf roping.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force and as he would tell you he was in for 4 years, 6 days. While in the Air Force he met the love of his life Carolyn Joyce Cole. He had to ask permission from his senior officer to marry Joyce because she outranked him. The couple was married for 62 years and had 6 children. Cowboy worked as an oilfield tool operator and later as a salesperson in the oil services business.

Cowboy and Joyce created a home where everyone felt welcome and they were the second mom and dad for many over the years. Lots of fishing, golf, and cooking. Some of the best cooking anyone has ever placed in their mouth. He was a charter member of a Cajun Bass Club in Toledo Bend. Some of the members were local legends. To name a few: Wayne McElveen, Bevo Rome, Mike Bono, Cajun Phil Broussard, Raymond and Lenard Powell.

Cowboy was widely known for his antics, light-hearted humor, and story-telling. He possessed the ability to make lifelong friendships with each new person he met -- from the grocery store to the lake, no one was a stranger in his world.

Cowboy loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had a nickname for just about everybody. He made everyone feel like they were his favorite. He loved rodeo, girls college softball, and sports of every kind.

He was preceded in death by: His wife of 62 years: Carolyn Joyce Cole and 2 of their children: James Robert "Bobby" Cole, and "Babs" Cole.

Left to cherish his memory are: Stacey McAuliffe (Mike), Melissa Gilmer (Jerry), Pamela Floyd (Steve), and Michelle Cole.

Cowboy and Joyce had 8 grandchildren: Kyle Cole, Amy Benefield, Joshua Floyd, Jessica Hyatt, Tara Hudnall, Destiny Herger, B.J. Cole, David Floyd and 25 great grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 10:00AM until the funeral service time at 1:00PM, in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home Moss Bluff, 2171 N. Highway 171, Lake Charles, LA.70611. Following the funeral service the family has entrusted cremation arrangements to Johnson Funeral Home. Cowboy and Carolyn will have their urns buried together in Jacksonville, TX. at a later date.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the personal care offered by the nieces, daughters and friends. Thanks as well to Dr. Bradley Loewer for first class medical and spiritual care. Thanks to Harbor Hospice for coming alongside us to usher him home to be with his Savior.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Ronald McDonald House and The Shriner Children's Hospitals.