James Franklin Cotter

Born from humble beginnings, ever faithful to his Boise, Idaho roots. James Franklin Cotter is survived by his companion and wife of over 25 years, Ruth; sons: James Val Cotter of San Antonio, TX, James Adam Cotter of San Antonio, TX, and James Andrew Cotter of Orland, CA; daughters, Vivian Mulier of Kerrville, TX, and Valeri Sharri Cor’de lane, ID; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a beloved pet, Mutt Mutt.

His extraordinary love for farming as a child grew throughout his adulthood. He loved riding on an old Ford 9n tractor, planting almond orchards, walnut trees, owning hundreds of farm animals, and looking upon the sunsets from his porch with his wife Ruth. Their view of over 1000 acres in California was like heaven on earth to James.

James served with in the 82nd Airborne with love for his country and his fellow man. He took great pride in serving the United States Army in the Korean War.

Establishing himself over 50 years ago, while attending college, he began his legacy by developing and building affordable homes for local Walla Walla residents. Although he had a passion for building, his ambitions were not limited to construction.

A progressive businessman, he redeveloped the Walla Walla City bus line. James pursued the banker at a small-town café and followed him back to the bank for a loan. As the banker came into the bank from the back-door James came in the front asking to speak to the banker once again. The banker saw James and said, “Weren’t you just in the coffee shop eating a hamburger?” Yes, and that was café talk; he had come to the bank to talk business. He wanted to acquire the bus line. The banker’s response was, “You couldn’t fill those buses if you let them ride free.” James stated, “That’s exactly what I planned on. Have you ever heard of Sear’s and Roebucks department store? If the patrons walk to the back of the store to get their ticket stamped, Sears pays 25 cents to my company and it increases their revenue.” James convinced the banker to finance 100% of the progressive project. James believed he could redevelop the Walla Walla city bus line by allowing patrons to ride “free of charge” and incorporating all the stores of their choice, if the stores validated their bus fare. Soon the failing bus line became a profitable endeavor, turning out to be the beginning for James. He owned the bus line until it was the last privately held bus line in the state of Washington.

After graduating from Walla Walla College, James moved to northern California where he continued to build houses and soon purchased his first nursing facility under the name of Cotter Health Centers. James expanded his nursing operations and commercial real-estate to ultimately amass 40 different facilities, employing more than 2200 employees.

James also played a key role in negotiating and developing senior health care legislation in California, along-side former Governors Jerry Brown and Ronald Reagan. Although senior health care was an important stepping stone in Mr. Cotter's success, his real passions remained in real estate and development.

His love for Oklahoma and Real Estate made him pursue and acquire the largest building at the time in Oklahoma City, OK. It was truly his jewel in real-estate. His love for the west and the building inspired James to cast a horse with himself sitting high, looking upon his Cotter Tower Building in which he saw his greatest accomplishment in real-estate.

James enjoyed collecting Native American Art. He had an extensive antique car collection and he would tell you his enjoyment in life was that he loved to travel with his companion and wife Ruth to foreign countries only to purchase art work, antiques and fashion for Ruth.

He believed that contrary to the idea that doing what you love makes work effortless, a passion puts you to work. It’s what you're willing to sacrifice lesser leisure and pleasures for. He stated that all his life he worked and that is what he knew best. He loved farming and working with his hands in the dirt; planting and watching the animals graze. He loved his children and family, his passion was to give his children a foundation and strong work ethic. When asked, “What is the passion and love in your life?” and he answered “Ruth is the greatest love in my life.”

James Cotter was a Seventh-Day Adventist and he believed strongly in working a full six-day week and keeping the Sabbath day holy.

He believed that his success was due to the many blessings God bestowed upon him. On January 25, 2017, he began his journey home as Ruth walked into his room for the final kiss upon his eye as he closed it.