James Neal Cotton, 90, passed away peacefully at his home June 11, 2021 in Austin, Texas. He is now reunited with the love of his life, his wife, Jo. We are so grateful that our Dad had time to be with each of us, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over the past few months.
Jim was born January 5, 1931 to John (Jack) and Alice Akin Cotton in Long Beach, California. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon returning home he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology at UCLA. He met his wife of 63 years on a blind date and they were blessed with four children. His first job out of college was with Marr Oil Company moving his young family to New Orleans, La. After a few years he was transferred to Lafayette where he spent the next twenty years building a successful career and raising their children. During his time in Lafayette he also worked for Quintana and Goldking oil companies as well as spending several years as an independent geologist.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Portugal Cotton and his parents John and Alice Cotton. He is survived by his children, Jim (Alisa) Cotton, Carolyn (Blake) Simmons, Suzanne (Charles) Kott, and John (Claudia) Cotton; grandchildren, Kyle (Anna) Cotton, Christopher Cotton, Lauren Cotton, Nicole (Blake) Virgilio, Doug (Danielle) Simmons, Megan (Jacob) Baynham, Ronnie (Kara) Kott, and Rebecca (Adam) Rohan; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Calvin (Virgie) Cotton, Bill (Kathy) Cotton, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim will be remembered by those dear to him as a strong, humble and gracious man with a quick wit and sense of humor. He will also be remembered as a man who was kind to everyone. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son and brother.
Jim and Jo built their retirement home in Austin, TX to be closer to their children and grandchildren. An avid golfer, he became a charter member of Barton Creek Country Club. For the next 36 years he enjoyed playing golf, gardening, and entertaining friends and family in their home.
A memorial service will be held at the Barton Creek Country Club, 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, Texas, July 31st at 11 am followed by a reception to celebrate Jim’s life; friends and family are welcomed. An inurnment service will follow at St. John Neumann Memorial Prayer Garden and Columbarium for the immediate family.
The family wishes to extend our appreciation to the caregivers and nurses at Halcyon Home and Hospice Care for their compassionate care and support for our Dad and the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to these organizations that support veterans and their families. “Tunnel to Towers Foundation”, t2t.org , and Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org
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