James N. Cole

James N. Cole, 78 (but always a boy at heart) of rural Ottawa, Kansas, died Tuesday, July 11, 2017. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Saturday, July 15, 2017, at the Elks’ Club, 114 ½ West 2nd Street, Ottawa. Cremation is planned with a private family inurnment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas. James was born Tuesday, November 1, 1938, near Pomona, the son of Fay N. and Eleanor F. (Blackburn) Cole. He graduated from Princeton High School, Princeton, Kansas, with the class of 1956 and Johnson County Community College. He also attended the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, Avila College, the University of Virginia, and graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. James worked 38 years in law enforcement including: the Kansas Highway Patrol; Prairie Village Kansas Police Department; Johnson County District Attorney Chief Investigator; Office of Investigations for the U.S. Dept. of Education; resident Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General Dept. of Veterans Affairs. He retired in 1998. He was a member of the Kansas Peace Officers Association and the F.B.I. National Academy Associates. He married Anita Geringer in 1959. They later divorced. James was united in marriage to Judith Ann Modrell in September 27, 1996, at Mission, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his two daughters, Julie Cole (Joe Encinas) of Tucson, Arizona, and Robyn Lloyd (Scott) of Kansas City, Kansas; son, James N. Cole Jr. of Shawnee, Kansas; brother, Ken Cole (Carol) of Ottawa; sister, Leah Collins of Ottawa; sister-in-law, Glenda Cole of Overland Park; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Gerald Cole. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hope House or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on James’ Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com