It is a profound honor to dedicate the Tampa-area Veterans Program to Tampa native and U.S. Army Veteran, Mr. James Cole. Not only did Mr. Cole serve his country with courage, he spent his life uplifting fellow Veterans and strengthening the Tampa community. James Cole Village continues his legacy of service, ensuring his impact endures for generations.
A Life of Service and Strength
James Cole was born in Tampa on July 6, 1944, to Madelyne and Robert Cole Sr. He attended school in Hillsborough County before being drafted into the U.S. Army at age 18. In a remarkable act of love and bravery, he volunteered to deploy to Vietnam so his younger brother, Anthony, already serving in Vietnam could return home.
In 1966, Mr. Cole served more than a year in Vietnam, contributing to various mission efforts, including the evacuation of wounded and fallen soldiers.
A Community Pioneer
After receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Cole returned home to Tampa and became one of the city’s first Black firefighters, as well as one of the first Black men to attend Barber College. His role as a trailblazer began early. James and his brother Anthony were among the first Black children to integrate the Jackson Heights Playground on Lake Avenue and 34th Street.
Inspired by his father, a barber, young James learned the craft standing on a stool to watch his father work, an experience that shaped the rest of his life. As a barber in East Tampa, he became a mentor to neighborhood children, especially those from struggling families. He taught responsibility, work ethic, and pride, helping shape the character of an entire community.
Courage Beyond Service
James retired in the late 1980s to seek treatment for PTSD and was among the first participants to complete the PTSD Program at Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg. In 2004, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma caused by exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.
Despite his illness, Mr. Cole remained active in his church and involved with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, continuing his lifelong dedication to service.
James Cole passed away on October 16, 2017. He is survived by his father, his wife, Renet, his children Todd, James, and Naji; eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.