James Leon Cole
James Leon Cole, Age 85 passed away peacefully in Clear Lake City on Sunday, May 12, 2019.
He was born December 25, 1933 to Leon and Maude Cole in Big Spring, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Laverne Chrane. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Sandra Cone Cole and his children, James Leon Cole Jr., Cynthia Cole Satter, and Jackson Adam Cole, and his brother and sister-in-law, Eddie and Vicki Cole and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his grandchildren; Jacqueline Satter, Austin Satter, Tara Cole, Tasha Cole, Tyler Cole, Joel Cole, and twin great grandchildren, Baylor and Beckham Satter.
Jim graduated from Big Spring High School in 1952. He immediately volunteered for the US Army, was stationed in Germany supporting the Atomic Cannon project and promoted to Staff Sergeant. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he enrolled in the University of Texas, where he met his love, Sandra (Sandy). They married in September, 1956 in her hometown of Palestine, TX. East and West met in Central Texas.
He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation he was hired by Hughes Aircraft Co. and was an engineer in the Flight Avionics and Missile Division, supporting the F-106 (Delta Dart) Interceptor Aircraft Program. In 1963 he joined the NASA Johnson Space Center in the Flight Operations Division working the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs. He retired from Government service in 1996 as Division Chief of the Control Center Systems Division.
He loved his NASA work and in 1999, was hired by the European Space Agency (ESA) to upgrade and modernize the Operations Center for Space Station support. He and Sandy moved to Wassenaar, Netherlands where they worked, lived, and travelled throughout Europe.
He retired completely in 2001 in Clear Lake City and he and Sandy spent time touring Europe and enjoying their family in Houston, Austin, and Louisiana.
A service will be held on May 16, 2019 at 2:00pm at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real, Houston, Texas 77062.
Sandy and family,
Our deepest sympathy❤
With all our love,
Ed, Letty and McGarrahan family
Services for dad are at 2pm, Thursday May 16, 2019
16335 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062
Thinking about all of you! Know that you are bathed in God’s love as you walk this journey.
My deepest sympathy to the Cole family. The loss of a loved one is so hard to bear. Our heavenly Father lovingly assures us “I will really hold on to you with my right of righteousness.” (Isa. 41:10) May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time. (2 Cor. 1:3,4)
I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Cole passing. I know he was surrounded by his great family. I met some of the family while he was in Clear Lake heart and vascular building. God Bless Lee ,Thomas and Martha Rebelle
Sandy and family,
I am so sad to just learn of Jimmy’s passing. He was wonderful to me growing up. I hope to visit with you soon.
Love and prayers,
Jim and I attended the University of Texas together and were the best of friends. I remember him meeting his beautiful wife Sandy. He finished his schooling and I continued at UT. I have thought of him many many times but we never connected. I know his brother EDDIE. Sandy I am so sorry for your loss but I know you and he had a good life God Bless from Roger and Anna Brown.
Jimmy and all the Cole family. My condolences, belatedly. I just became aware of this. Had some great times in my early years. Your house was always a fun place to hang out. I remember Mr Cole’s attention to health and his longevity attests to the value of that discipline. Glad he was there for you all those years.
Alan, I would love to catch up after all there years. Please do leave a contact email or phone number. Jimmy