Longtime Celebration ringmaster Jimmy Cole lost his battle with lung cancer Oct. 30, 2003. Cole had been a ringmaster for 18 years. He began ring mastering at the Celebration in 1986 and even served as a judge there twice in 1970 and 1985. Cole was also one of the very first DQPs following the passing of the Horse Protection Act in 1970.

The family will receive visitors Sunday, Nov. 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Smith North Funeral Home in Jackson, Tenn., and the funeral will be held Monday, Nov. 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.