James Cole Reeves

James Cole Reeves (“Cole”), age 70, passed away in Thornton, Colorado on March 28, 2024. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he had always hoped for.   

Cole was born on November 17, 1953, in Ventura, California to Martha (Marty) and James Delmar Reeves. He grew up in Denver, Colorado and spent most of his summers at his grandparent’s farm in South Dakota.   It was there that he discovered his love for animals and learned to drive at the young age of 10!   

Although Cole didn’t come from a family of musicians, his passion for music was ignited at the age of 8 when he watched Elvis Presley in the movie “Blue Hawaii”.  When he was 10, he watched The Beatles first televised performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and said that was “it” for him; that was when he knew he wanted to be a musician! Not long after, his mother bought him a six-string electric guitar from Woolworth’s for $22.00 and Cole’s mission began.

He was determined to teach himself how to play the guitar. Everyday he would sit for hours at his mother’s vinyl record player, adjusting the screws to slow the record’s RPMs in order to achieve just the right turntable speed (his mother wasn’t too happy with his creative modifications). With time, practice, commitment, and determination, Cole eventually learned the notes, chords, and songs to just about every record in his mother’s collection and by the 8^th Grade, his combo won The Alameda Junior High Talent Show, performing “Time Won’t Let Me” (by The Outsiders) and “Gloria” (by Them Van Morrison).

In the early 70’s Cole’s heart was set on being a Bass Player and between the 70’s and 80’s he played in numerous bars/clubs across Denver, Wyoming and in El Paso, TX.  In the early 80’s, his Trio band (Demo) performed spoof songs for Steven “B” & The Hawk on FM Radio station’s KBPI and KAZY. In 1983, Cole married Jane Davis and by April of 1984, they welcomed their daughter Morgan into the world. Cole always said that his daughter was the best thing that ever happened to him.  Once he became a father, his quest to becoming a Rock Star slowed a bit, but he never gave up on his dreams or passions. 

Over the last 20 years Cole was blessed with 4 beautiful grandchildren, who were his pride and joy! He truly embraced, cherished, and savored every moment that he spent with them.  Cole loved his grandchildren with all his heart and soul, and never missed the opportunity to tell them so. When he wasn’t hanging out with his family, he was catering to his beloved (and very needy) Doberman “Vox”, working on cars, riding his motorcycle, writing music, and playing gigs. He spent the last 10 years traveling around Colorado playing in Melmo (2013-2019) and ended his journey being the musician he had always aspired to be, playing in Lee & Company (2020-2024) with his beloved friends/bandmates who were like family. 

James “Cole” Reeves is survived by his daughter, Morgan Mestas (husband Alex Mestas) and 4 grandchildren: Alexzander (20), Logan (16), Liam (12), and Payton (11). 

Cole is preceded in death by his parents Martha “Marty” Reeves, James D. Reeves, and his granddaughter Makayla. 

Cole was a beloved father, grandpa, friend, and musician. While we lost our loving father and grandpa, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He made such an impact on so many lives, had an amazing sense of humor, was a master musician/bass player, and was full of knowledge and expertise! There was so much more to him than just being an incredible dad and grandfather, though to us that was his greatest roll - he was also a friend, musician, mechanic, handyman, and the best dog dad ever! 

He always said, “If you dwell on the past or stress about the future, you miss out on the present”.  While I am sure he wasn’t ready to be called home, God had other plans for his life and I know that he wouldn’t want any of us to waste a single moment looking in the rearview mirror or fretting about the future, but rather, focusing on the present and all that life has to offer.  As we remember Cole, let us celebrate the melody of his life, knowing that his spirit will continue to serenade us with joyous memories.

We invite you all to share pictures and memories. It was his wish that we laugh, reminisce, and smile together during this difficult time.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” - Abraham Lincoln