Jimmie Lee Cole
July 30, 1941 – March 8, 2024
Jimmie Lee (Sam) Cole passed away peacefully early on Friday morning March 8 at the age of 82. He was born on July 30, 1941, to Vernon and Mabel (Hall) Cole in Miami, Oklahoma.
Sam graduated from Miami High School in 1959. He was a proud tuba player in the Wardog band who carried a B flat sousaphone all over New York City as a member of the Oklahoma State Band. Later in life he enjoyed playing in church orchestras, the Nichols Hills band, and with friends in the Tarnished
Brass Group. While in high school he was student body president, a delegate to Boys’ State, and
received the American Legion School Award. He was also a member of the school’s driving (car) team, traveling with them to Washington, D. C. where they won the national car driving championship— remember parallel parking? After graduating from Oklahoma University in 1963, and passing the CPA exam on his first try, he was hired by the Oklahoma City accounting firm of Billups, Arnn, and Mascho where he worked until retiring as managing partner of Cole and Reed in 2006.
Sam and Jeanne Cole were married on June 1, 1963, and were married for 60 years. They enjoyed traveling with friends and being included in dinner clubs with them over the years. For several years they were active members of Oklahoma City Town Hall where Sam served as treasurer. Being season football and basketball ticket holders for over 50 years at OU, they enjoyed traveling to those out-of- state games as well as going to Norman on a regular basis. They were members of Quail Springs Baptist Church, and the family has greatly appreciated visits, calls, and prayers of support from ministers and members during this time.
Sam loved his family, was greatly loved by them, and provided amply for them. He also helped others during his life, and his family has been amazed, but not surprised, recently to learn of ways he had helped others.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne, son Mike Cole and wife Celeste, son Mark Cole, grandson Caleb Cole and wife Bailey, granddaughter Hallie Cole, and brother Jerry Cole. The youngest of three sons, he was predeceased by his parents and brother Sherman Cole.
A private family celebration of Sam’s life will be observed this summer.
If desired, please make any donations in memory of Sam to Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112.