Parade Grand Marshall 2024

Right as World War II was coming to an end, this universe received another blessing – Jim Cole. Mr. Cole was born in Lebanon on August 20, 1943, moved to Coos Bay when he was 15 and in 1966 married his beloved wife, Eva. Seven years into marriage, Jim and Eva settled into Scio, where they raised their 3 boys (Everett Myhrvold, Jerry Myhrvold, and James Ray).

Prior to retirement, Jim was a hard-working laborer, where he dedicated approximately 20 years to MPP Piping, based here in Scio. He has always enjoyed giving back to his community. Over the years, you may have seen Jim cutting firewood to raise funds for the sports programs, coaching on the Scio High School softball field, running score boards for basketball, or running chains at home football games. You may also recognize his voice as an announcer for a multitude of different sports. He helped build the Scio Youth Club concession trailer and hauled it to many games, auctions and Lamb and Wool Fairs to help raise money for the club. Jim has always loved all sports. He enjoyed watching his kids play and now gets to enjoy watching his grandkids. He is also a regular spectator at the Scio home games. For 20 years, Jim was also a Scio volunteer firefighter, where he worked with Chief Mike Murphy.

Jim’s other hobbies include winning a game of cribbage, playing pinochle, drinking coffee at the Covered Bridge, and crabbing and clamming at the coast. His latest adventure was jumping out of an airplane to commemorate his 80th birthday! His proudest accomplishment is his family, which includes 10 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. He claims to have danced at the Lamb and Wool Fair with all of his granddaughters at some point over the years.

Jim is just a good ole boy from Scio! A great friend and a true altruistic!