JAMES H. COLE SR. ESTABLISHED THE FUNERAL HOME IN 1919 To many in Detroit, the Cole family name represents calm during the storm. At their darkest moments, tens of thousands of Detroiter's have turned to the most trusted name in the business and found compassion and care during their time of greatest need. The James H. Cole Home for Funerals celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. It’s a momentous milestone for any business but particularly for one owned and operated by four generations of one African American family. Today, the James H. Cole Home for Funerals manages two Detroit-based locations.