Little League® International mourns the passing of Edward J. Cole II, better known as “Jack,” a former West Virginia District 8 Administrator and 1988 Little League Baseball® World Series umpire, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.
Born on June 22, 1949, Mr. Cole was a retired teacher with the Nicholas County Board of Education with more than 42 years of service. He held many titles while employed, those included teacher, coach, and Athletic Director. He had stops at five schools during his tenure.
As a Little League volunteer, he served as the past president of the Craigsville Little League and was a former District Administrator for West Virginia District 8. He was also a former voice of the Grizzlies Football public announcer. Yet, his biggest name to fame was when he umpired in the 1988 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which included being chosen to umpire the championship game behind the plate on national TV.
Mr. Cole was also an ordained minister for more than 25 years where he pastored three churches.
Jack leaves behind a wife, Belinda Cole of 52 years and one son, Tommy Cole (Summersville, W.V.). Jack had seven grandchildren, Logan and his wife Valerie Cole (Morgantown, W.V.), Dallas Cole (Mt. Nebo, W.V.), Drey Wargo (Tioga, W.V.), Tommie Ann Cole (Summersville, W.V.), Hunter Wargo (Summersville, W.V.), Jacklynn Settle (Tioga, W.V.), and Piper Cole (Mt. Nebo, W.V.). He also leaves behind one brother, Mark Cole, a special cousin, Phil Dye (Bridgeport, W.V.), one brother-in-law, Mike and his wife Ginger Greene (Weirton, W.V.), and two nephews, Richie and Jonathan Greene.