James (Jim) Edgar Cole, born November 1, 1949, in Walton, NY died peacefully at home with his Southern family on May 1, 2024.  Jim graduated from Camden Central High School, in Camden, NY.  Even as a 13-year-old, he was ambitious.  He shoveled driveways, mowed lawns, and repaired and rebuilt snow machines.  At 18 he joined the Army and honorably served his country for three tours in Vietnam as a radio operator and Huey helicopter pilot and engineer.   After leaving the military, Jim built many businesses from the ground up.  For over 30 years, he owned a Landscape/Turnkey Business, started Sea Level, a sea kayak guide company, and bought and managed a small apartment complex and a business complex in Pooler.  But the final success and joy of his life was as owner of Castaways Restaurant in Sandfly.

Jim, a gentle and generous soul, had a special place in his heart for the elderly, helping them in any way he could.  He donated physically and financially to his community in numerous ways, including the Isle of Hope Pool, school fundraisers, pet causes, the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, volunteered at Oatland Island Education Center for 27 years, and a volunteer firefighter in Midway, Ga.   When Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston and Isle of Palms, he donated his time and crew to help the victims of Hugo get back to their homes.

He is survived by Sue, wife of 52 years, son, Blake Cole, {Jennifer} grandchildren Miller, Carson, Brice, and Brennan, sister Judy Hider, (Bill) Syracuse NY and brother, Joel Cole Acton, MA, niece Alexis Yang (Hubie) Springfield, VA., brother-in-law Richard Duerr Camden, NY and nephews Robert Duerr Sylvan Beach, NY and Brian Dwyer, Syracuse and many cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to a Veterans organization of your choosing, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Hospice Savannah.