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Cotton Fitzsimmons Obituary

Cotton Fitzsimmons, While he may be best known as one of basketball's
most respected coaches and personalities, those who knew Lowell "Cotton" Fitzsimmons best will remember a caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Fitzsimmons passed away July 24, at the age of 72 due to complications of lung cancer. As a basketball coach, Fitzsimmons ranks as one of the NBA's all-time best. During a storied 21-year career that began in 1970, Cotton ranks tied for 10th on the career win list. In eight seasons as a head coach of the Phoenix Suns (1970-72, 1988-92, 1996), Cotton posted the second-highest winning percentage of any coach in team history. While remaining dedicated to his role as coach, Cotton also carefully nurtured his relationships with his family and friends, especially with his wife of 26 years, JoAnn, his son, Gary, and his grandchildren, Tim and Kelley. JoAnn and Cotton became a true team during several moves around the NBA, always instilling a family atmosphere at each coaching stop along the way. Cotton's NBA career included coaching stints in Phoenix, Atlanta, Buffalo, Kansas City and San Antonio, and a year as director of player personnel at Golden State. Using his personal approach and positive outlook, he built a reputation for taking over struggling teams and turning them into instant contenders. The 1988-89 Suns made a historic turnaround, soaring from 28 wins to 55 wins. Cotton's efforts with the 1978-79 Kings and 88-89 Suns earned him NBA Coach of the Year honors. Fitzsimmons basketball days also included playing high school and junior college ball in Missouri, and playing collegiately at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He began his coaching career in 1958 at Moberly (Mo.) Junior College. His teams won JUCO titles in 1966 and 1967 and he was named Coach of the Year following each of those seasons. He then moved to Kansas State as an assistant to Fred "Tex" Winter and took over as head coach in 1968. Named Big Eight Coach of the Year in 1970, he led the Wildcats to the Big Eight Championship and into the NCAA Tournament regional semifinals. Fitzsimmons was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988, the National Junior College Hall of Fame in 1985, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. In 1995 he was named NAIA Alumnus of the Year. Most recently, Cotton served as senior executive vice president with the Suns, a position he held since 1992. He was a color analyst on the club's radio and TV broadcasts and also worked on national television where fans across the country enjoyed his broadcasting insights and sense of humor on playoff telecasts. Fitzsimmons is survived by his loving wife JoAnn, son Gary, grandchildren Tim and Kelley, brother Orland Fitzsimmons, and sisters Joanne Johnson and Carol Lovell. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. And he will be fondly remembered by all those lucky enough to have known him. The family of Cotton Fitzsimmons requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Cotton's memory be made to the Cotton Memorial/Phoenix Suns Charities at 201 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85004. A Mass will be celebrated Monday evening 7:30 p.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Community, 1730 West Guadalupe Road Mesa, AZ. The burial will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Lakeshore Mortuary, Mesa.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jul. 27, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Cotton Fitzsimmons

78 Entries

Jerry Bolin

November 7, 2004

Cotton and I coached together at Moberly Mo. in the 60s.He was wonderful in every aspect of his career . A great gentleman as well as a legend in his profession. We had talked about playing golf when i was in Az .Should have done it when I had the chance. Will always remember him for his genuine concern and respect for others. Thinking of his family. God bless you. Jerry Bolin

JLD

September 1, 2004

Thanks for being a great coach to all the players you inspired with the will to win, a great husband, partner and pilar of strength to JoAnn, and a great father to the man that I have loved for over 24 years. I'll never forget you.

Sharon Leroue

August 18, 2004

Mr. Fitzsimmons and his family use to come into the Pizza Hut at 7th St. and Glendale years ago and were regulars on Friday nights when the team wasn't playing. I didn't know who he was for a time but later learned who he was. He was always really friendly and nice to everyone there while they were at the Hut. He never made anyone feel like they were a bother to him. He was a very nice and gracious man that will be missed.

DC Headley

August 12, 2004

I feel very lucky to have spent the time I did with Cotton. He and JoAnn are two of the most special people I've met along this journey called life. They always had a kind word, great big smile and so much positive energy that it became contagious.

My most prized memory of this dynamic duo is when I had complimented JoAnn on some of the Christmas decorations that she had supplied for the Phoenix Suns main office.This short conversation with her turned into a wonderful surprise just before Christmas when she and Cotton presented a gift to me. I opened it at home with my wife later that evening and it was a set of ethnic-themed tree ornaments. Those ornaments are the most treasured ornaments my family will ever have and will be passed down to my kids. It was a beautiful gesture and I love them both for it. It made me and my family feel very special to be remembered in such a way. But then again, it shouldn't be that much of a surprise considering the kind of warm-hearted people I am talking about.

I look forward to seeing Cotton again (no time soon) when my work is done here. My prayers go out to the Fitzsimmons family, especially JoAnn. I love you.

Pat Murphy

August 4, 2004

I had the privlege of playing for Coach for 2 years at Moberly, Mo. JC graduating in '64. There was not a person around who knew bb like him. I had known him before that being from Hannibal myself.

I remember him telling my mother when I first went to Moberly that he makes sure all the boys go to church on Sunday. And he did too. Same way with classes.

Used to see him every year when the Suns played the Bulls in Chicago. First question he would ask was how my wife and family were. I saw him for the last time in Nov. '02 in Moberly at a birthday party for a long-time Greyhound backer. He was the same man I had known for 50 years.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joann, Gary and the rest of the Fitzsimmons family. All the people who were fortunate enough to be associated with Cotton have lost a great friend and person.

Kelli Dickerson

August 2, 2004

To the family of Cotton Fitzsimmons, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Cotton, was loved and admired by so many on and off the court. What a great man he was to everyone he ever came in contact with. May your hearts be warm knowing that so many people will miss him.

God Bless you all

Wendy Palazzo

August 2, 2004

I work up in the Players Club at Turf Paradise Racetrack and that is where I had the Honor of meeting Cotton. I and so many of my co-workers will miss his smile and the Wonderful way he would make you feel,(like youve known him forever). Seeing his table without him this season will be heartbreaking. But we all have been blessed with the good fortune of calling him our friend.. GODBLESS YOU COTTON. My Thoughts and Prayers are with your family.

Jay Bender

July 30, 2004

My heart and prayers go out to Cotton's family. He meant so much to so many! Cotton had a way of making me feel like I knew him as a good friend and I've never met him. It takes a special person to do that! I will always remember Cotton and Al doing the Suns games and the excitement and emotions he displayed! We all have lost a very special person and He will live on in my loving memories! I say this with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes!

Karen Hunter

July 28, 2004

I used to see Cotton on the hiking trails on a regular basis, I was a lot younger an he was always in better shape. He was my inspiration to keep walking. One day, while resting on the way up, he was on the way down. He smiled. and told me not to give up. He said if I could just find it within to get to the top, I would be rewarded by an amazing sight. I said, yes, I had heard the view was wonderful. He said, not the view kiddo, there's an ice cold soda machine up there. get movin'!

Kathryn Brown

July 28, 2004

Cotton was a Valley favorite for many years. He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family, immediate and extended.

Bill McIntyre

July 28, 2004

I spent many boyhood evenings listening to an AM radio and the Moberly Jr. College Games at behest of my beloved babysitter nicknamed "Dodie". She was Cotton's biggest fan. She was also his Aunt Virginia. She made a big impact on my life with her many lessons on life and she always held Cotton up as an example of "how a good boy will grow up".... I have always followed his career and admired him greatly. He came to Mexico, Mo. when she died in 1968 and we were all comforted by his presence and wonderful words for his Aunt Ginny. She is welcoming him home now along with his parents and other aunt. Lowell Hagan and Orland Yates are surely welcoming him too! My sympathy to the entire family.

David Rothleutner

July 28, 2004

Cotton was a proven leader both on and off the NBA court. He will be sorely missed not only in Phoenix, Arizona but, throughout the nation and whoever knows the game of basketball will know that he was truely a legend in his own time. We will never forget what he has done for us all. Thank you, Cotton.

Don Sellers

July 27, 2004

As a young administrator in the LA Summer league, Cotton would always take time to speak to me and check my career path. He asked me to help one of his players get into the coaching ranks,because he needed to get a fresh start. This was about 10-12 years ago. The player did an unbelieveable job and is now the Head Coach of the Atlanta Hawks, Mike Woodson. All coaches from any and everywhere should study Cotton's approach to the game, especially the Coach/Player relationship. Cotton thanks for taking time with me. Your daily inspiration lead me to coaching, and I am now in China as a head basketball coach in the CBA. Thank you, and say hello to Maravich, Wortman,Mikan and Chamberlain.

Don Sellers

Lucile

July 27, 2004

Cotton Fitzsimmons was the Suns. I was deeply sadden to read about his passing on Sunday Morning. My heartfelt prayers to his family. He will be sorely missed.

PATSY VERDUZCO

July 27, 2004

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to your family, I was shocked to hear the horrible news, may you rest in peace, and also to add that you represented the Phoenix Suns and all of your fans very well, thank you for your great talent.

Tina Simon

July 27, 2004

I was sadden to hear Cotton Fitzsimmons had passed away, he will surely be missed. My heart felt prayers go out to his family.

Steve Takesian

July 27, 2004

Thanks COACH !!!

jan patten

July 27, 2004

no one can ever relpace such a wonderful man. he will be really missed.

JOHN (ROCKET) FITZSIMMONS

July 27, 2004

To the Cotton Fitzsimmons Family:

As a Sun's Season ticket holder (from 1988 to 1996), I was thoroughly elated when Cotton was named Sun's Head Coach in 1988. Cotton entertained me as the coach both on the court and with his weekly television program and later as the co-announcer.

Sharing the same last name usually had it's laughs however once my frequent flyer miles were awarded by mistake to Cotton. I was amused by the customer service representative who asked if my nickname was "Cotton." I further confused her explaining that my nickname was "Rocket." Needless to say Cotton kept the frequent flyer miles.

My prayers are with you Cotton as you fly the friendly skies to Heaven!

Scott Hurvitz

July 27, 2004

Cotton...I enjoyed watching and listening to you. You will be greatly missed.

Gayle Munter

July 27, 2004

I wish to extend my deep sorrow to the family of Cotton. He was a great person and a wonderful Phoenix Sun. He will be missed by all.

Sincerely,

Gayle Munter

Gary Taft

July 27, 2004

Thanks for the memories Cotton.

I have lived her for 20 years and I always looked forward to your coaching or broadcasting. You were honest and sincere and always upbeat. We all should take a page from your book

Adonis Fuentes

July 27, 2004

The Phoenix Suns won't be the same without Cotton. He was the energy of the Suns and I will really miss his voice on TV and radio. God bless him and his family.

Don Frost

July 27, 2004

Cotton was a great leader and teacher of the game. He also was a wonderful person whom i have enjoyed getting to know in my employment with America West Arena and the Phoenix Suns since May,1992. Rest in Peace and the court at the Arena should be renamed in your honor Cotton Court seems so appropriate

A Graves

July 27, 2004

Watching the Phoenix Suns will never be the same without Your smile and witt. You will be missed by so many in the valley .

cliff newell

July 27, 2004

Cotton was my alltime favorite Suns coach. Mainly because they always won and were exciting when he was around, but also because he was a great guy. I remember running into him while covering a San Antonio Spurs game. He just had such a funny, friendly way about him. I hate to think of the Phoenix Suns without Cotton Fitzsimmons.

N Dunn

July 27, 2004

I will always remember Cotton as saying 'take the ball to the hole'. He never believed in the long ball, all his players knew where the high percentage shots were. He told them all the time....

Bob Becker

July 27, 2004

We have done electrical work at the Fitzsimmon's home over the past years and never have we experienced a more pleasant couple to work with. Always a smile, always a pleasure to be around.

Cotton, you will be missed!

Joann, may God grant you peace during this difficult time.

Lee Robinson

July 27, 2004

His Personality and zest for life was an inspiration to me. I never had the privelege of meeting him but I felt that he was one of my dearest friends. I loved him in life and I shall never forget him in death. My condolences to his Loving Family.

arnie moreno

July 27, 2004

Thanks Cotton! Arizona is losing a great citizen. I always loved the days at veteran memorial coliseum(the loudest place in the league) and cotton was a big part of it. Your ring is coming, the fans will continue to keep urging the Suns.

Tony

July 27, 2004

Our condolences to the Fitzsimmons's family. Thanks Cotton for all the good memories. You are truly one of the most respected and best coach the suns ever had. We will miss you.

Matt Prince

July 27, 2004

Thanks Cotton, I will never forget what you did for the Suns organization and for the Valley. Rest In Peace COACH!

Pat Adan

July 27, 2004

You were a great coach.

Bill & Jerry Murphy

July 27, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to JoAnn and family on the death of Cotton. May his memory of a husband, father and friend be remembered by all those who knew him. May peace also be with JoAnn and the family.

Wes Trayner

July 27, 2004

As a 42 year resident of the Valley of the Sun I will always remeber Cotton as one of the great people contributing to the greatness of this valley.

Robert Pollack

July 27, 2004

Thank you for making the world a

better place, we will miss you verry much.

The Rankins

July 27, 2004

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Fitzsimmons Family during this difficult time. Cotton's kindness will always be remembered and missed. God Bless.

Warren

July 27, 2004

Cotton, I'm only 15 years old, but I truly thought that you were the best thing that the Suns Organization ever had. You will truly be missed, God Bless your family. Thanks for the memories, COTTON.

Mary C

July 27, 2004

My condolences go out to Cotton's family. He is one of the reasons I became a Suns fan. His love for the game, his respect towards his team, and his down to earth demeaner are all traits I admired about him. Although I never met him, I enjoyed watching him over the years. God bless you Cotton!

John Clark

July 27, 2004

To my pal Cotton who's sitting on the finish line where every bet's a

winner.

Sara Bernal

July 27, 2004

My condolences to the family of Cotton and his sons who he cared for so much.

Jim Fitch

July 27, 2004

I never had an oppotunity to meet Cotton in person, but from watching him over the years, I felt that I knew him personnaly, he had that type of effect on people. My deepest sympoties to his family members.

Glenn Haven

July 27, 2004

My deepest sympathies to the Fitzsimmons family for their great loss. I didn't have the privilege of meeting Cotton but he was one of the reasons I became a "die hard" Suns fan through the tough times! I believe that God needed more "good" people in heaven and just decided to call him home. God speed and have a safe trip Cotton!

Bud & Marg Cushman

July 27, 2004

My wife cried when she heard of Cotton's death.She never saw a game until Charles came to town and Cotton and Al taught her the game. we both loved him dearly,

David Montoya

July 27, 2004

For the Family of Cotton Fitzsimmons,

Truly an honor to have met a man. There aren't too many around. Thank you Cotton.

Al Lopez

July 27, 2004

...may you have eternal peace and say hi to Pistol Pete for me.

Jordan Kearns

July 27, 2004

It is an honor for me to pay tribute to a man that was loved by many and humble as a man of great stature named "Cotton". I, at age 23, who would be considered young enough to be his grandchild, however, not immuned to his charisma as a leader of the Suns ball club which seemed to shine right at the start of his presence. I, along with my late grandma Doris, enjoyed countless nights watching the Suns and Cotton excpress his firey spirit, kind heart, and bold tenacity on the court to lead the Suns to their most fruitful years. My grandmother was always a very active sports watcher and thus we spent a lot of time watching the Suns together in the Cotton era. On behalf of my garandmother, I would like to say that she was a huge fan of Cotton and enjoyed the excitement and appreciated the unique leadership that gave the Suns some of their most successful years. On a lighter note, "he wasn't bad looking either!" said my Grandma. I am sure she will find him in heaven to share some good stories from the good ole days from that Suns era and from the state from which they both were born, Missouri. God bless you Cotton and to all of his family of whom are proud of his memory as my family is from his gaciousness, his vibrant spirit, his intelligence and witt which brought a team together in this valley of the sun as our watching did the same. You all are in our hearts and we love you and will always hold dear the memory of Cotton's life. God bless you all.

July 27, 2004

Our family loved you Cotton. You had a great example of style. We will miss you

Melissa

July 27, 2004

Dear Fitzsimmons Family,

My condolences go out to all of you. I am deeply saddened by the loss of Cotton. I actually had the pleasure of meeting him one time in a grocery store in North Phoenix. He was behind me in the checkout line and began a conversation with me and the others around us. He was so warm and friendly to everyone. I will never forget it. My husband and I saw him as a true hero for the Suns organization and always enjoyed watching and listening to him. Our prayers go out to the whole family.

Carrie Hopper

July 27, 2004

I was so sad to hear of his passing. I was pretty young when he was the coach of the Suns, but I loved to watch him during the games, he was so animated. He was always one of my family's favorites, and I know he will always remain one of Phoenix's favorites. God's speed, Mr. Fitzsimmons. You will be missed.

Diana

July 26, 2004

Cotton you were one of a kind. You brought out the best in each of your players and you let them know how much you truly cared about them and the fans. Hiring you as a Phoenix Suns coach was the best thing the Colagelo organization did. Your shoes will never be able to be filled. You will be truly missed and we can find comfort knowing that you are watching down on us with that caring smile.

Joel Martin

July 26, 2004

I still have the Arizona Republic from the day Larry Nance was traded to Cleveland. Just like the rest of them, I thought you were crazy Cotton. But it turned out all of us were the crazy ones. Thanks to your move and committment to the Suns, the late 80's and 90's brought some of the most memorable and enjoyable times to Suns fans across the country. You will be missed indeed--thanks for the memories!

rene hughes

July 26, 2004

i've followed the suns since day one in 68. i watched the games on ch 5 in nogales and always looked forward to them. as a valley resident since 72 i remember cotton as our coach and also as a foe, but he always had that twinkle in his eye. his team kicked our butt in 79, the kc kings. may he rest in peace. he should be put in the suns "ring of honor" immediatly. so long mr. cotton. a suns fan

Tia

July 26, 2004

I read in the paper last week that he was sick. I was really sad to learn that he had passed away on Saturday. I have been a Suns fan since 1992 and I enjoyed seeing him on the sidelines as a coach and as an announcer with Al McCoy. My prayers are with the Fitzgerald family. Cotton will be greatly missed.

Mark Larson

July 26, 2004

I was so sad to hear the news yesterday. I never met Cotton but everyone who did had nothing but great things to say about him. A great basketball mind and a wonderful human being.

Jami McFerren

July 26, 2004

To JoAnn and family,

Since our days in KC through the successes in Phoenix, Cotton has been a beacon of positive thought and generous behavior. I have a favorite snap shot in my heart of him lecturing a very tall player who knew, as he looked down at that rolled up paper pointing up, he was dealing with a true coach of stature. JoAnn, I remember the decorated tennies and his absolute love and appreciation of and for you. I know he's got courtside seats in heaven and I'm sorry for your deeply personal loss.

Al, Diego and Lucia Madrid

July 26, 2004

What a loss for our community, and of course, your family. Cotton touched so many people with his wit, charm and positive outlook on life! We will always remember him that way and keep your family in our prayers, JoAnn.

July 26, 2004

Cotton is who made the SUNS great!

Thanks for the memories. You will always be remembered

Lynn Baker

July 26, 2004

I never had the pleasure of knowing Cotton but he always struck me as a person you could walk up to and say hi to. I'll miss seeing his face. My sincere condolences to the Fitzsimmons family and his many friends.

Ronald Walker

July 26, 2004

Cotton: The entire Valley of the Sun will miss you and your charm, and insight to the game called Basketball! You came to Phoenix twice and took a bunch of nobodies and made it into a great team! I will miss you so much!

Matt Marino

July 26, 2004

My prayers and sympathies go out to the Fitzsimmons family.

When we first moved to Arizona (Coolidge), from Chicago, in 1971, I remember falling asleep listening to Hot Rod Hundley and his radio compadre doing play by play on KTAR. I remember hearing the raspy voice of Coach Cotton's analysis after every game.

As I grew older, I learned to respect Cotton more. I especially admired, yet with great distraught how his Kansas City Kings (ala Ernie Grundfeld and Scott Wedmore) manhandled the Suns in defeat during a playoff run in the early 1980's.

Cotton re-emerged as the coach in 1987 after the Suns fired John Wetzel. Cotton then re-engineered the team with the trade of Larry Nance to Cleveland for KJ, Mark West, and Tyrone Corbin. Then during the ceremony of draft picks of 1987, the Suns announced their pick of Dan Majerle. Cotton couldn't have said it better when he quoted, "You all will regret the day you Booed this man!" Words could not have been more foreshadowing and eventful. Dan Majerle became a Favorite Sun and continues to be the Man about town. Nice pick Cotton!

Beginning in the 1988 season, the Suns re-emerge with a fantastic, young and energetic team. It was that season that I became a Cotton fan for life.

My last encounter with Cotton came during a D-back game this season. I was strolling down, behind the D-backs dugout, carrying a box laden with case full 16 oz. "Libation". As I got down to the very first row, there sat Cotton and his bride. With an over-abundance of perspiration running down my face, I thanked him for coming out to the ball park. He thanked me for my presumably hard work of dispensing my product in a well-mannered way and, also advised that I should take it easy and not work so hard. I explained to him that I had sprayed my face with a water bottle sprayer for effect. He and I both giggled and again I thanked him for coming out to the ball park.

I thank him now for being a part of my life growing up in the Valley.

Thanks for convincing Charles Barkley to come to Phoenix. Thanks for making me laugh uncontrollably when you and Charles would mix it up on the TV show. (I would have loved to have seen the outtakes!)

Thanks for reconsidering to putting back the Phoenix Sun Dancers during the time outs and half time entertainment.

I look forward to Cotton's placement in the "Ring of Honor", at the AWA.

You are in a better place, Cotton. We all look forward to seeing you in the not too distant future!

Cotton you are and always will be considered a beautiful human being and a positively kind man.

Matt Marino

A Cotton Fitzsimmons Life Time Fan

Yolie

July 26, 2004

As a child, I loved going to Suns games with my dad. In those days we didin't have the greatest team, but it was always entertaining to watch ole Cotton. As I grew older I always looked forward to hearing him call the games. I will greatly miss a Suns organization that does not include him. May God comfort his family.

Danny Brooks

July 26, 2004

Sincere condolences to Cotton's family. I had the pleasure of meeting him briefly only twice, both at golf courses in San Antonio when I lived there in the late 80's and early 90's. He was genuinely nice and went out of his way to be friendly & entertaining to us on those occasions. He will be missed.

Brian Hayes

July 26, 2004

The city of Phoenix as well as the rest of the nation has lost a true sports hero. I had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Fitzsimmons on several occasions, whether it be before a Suns game, enjoying a race at Turf Paradise (he sure loved the horses) or even at Saratoga, Mr. Fitzsimmons, always had time to speak to everyone. He was an absolute TRUE gentleman and will truly be missed by all. Rest in Peace, Mr. Fitzsimmons.

Bill Peck

July 26, 2004

When Barkely came to town I got interested in sports - specifically Phoenix Suns basketball. Cotton and Charles made good sparring partners, and the exchanges they shared carved a place in my memories forever. Condolences to Cotton's family - he's in my thoughts today.

Ray Olson

July 26, 2004

We will certainly miss you Cotton

Ray Olson

Laura Jordan

July 26, 2004

Heaven must be jumping, now! Cotton will be a colorful new guest there...one most welcome, but most missed here.

May God treat you gently and hold you close. Our Sympathies to you, Joanne.

Michael and Laura Jordan

sergio capozzi

July 26, 2004

Your enthusiasm was an excitement and a pleasure to watch.. Thanks for the vivid memories

LARRY MEIER

July 26, 2004

THANKS COTTON FOR BEING SO POSITIVE. WE WILL MISS YOU.

Veronica

July 26, 2004

I am deeply saddened to learn of Cotton's passing. Although I never met him, I feel that I've known him for years due to his involvement with the Suns. May he rest in peace and the family be comforted by knowing he touched many people near and far.

Patrick North

July 26, 2004

Cotton was truly one of a kind.Caring ,giving and always a positive attitude.A remarkable PWMD(people who make a difference) I'll always be proud to call him friend.

Kathy Olson

July 26, 2004

What a great coach and an inspiration! He really made watching basketball an interesting game, and I learn about many points of the game listening to him.

Thank you Cotton!

Sha Nabors

July 26, 2004

I've lived in the Valley of the Sun for over 25 years, and my fondest memories of "Suns" Basketball has always included Cotton Fitzsimmons.

Rest easy Cotton. You have clear and easy sailing ahead. Godspeed.

I've always liked Cotton, after all his name would remind me of my father (Grandpa Jones- god rest his soul) was also named "Cotton" where he grew up in Northeast Texas.

Katherine Chevalier

July 26, 2004

So enjoyed the way Cotton was to his players and staff and all the people around him. The love of the game the way it should be. He will be greatly missed, by JoAnn, son Gary and rest of his family.

Thanks for the memories.

Sincerely,

Katherine Chevalier

Peggy Russman

July 26, 2004

Cotton will be sorely missed by everyone. He was a positive figure for the Sun's and their fans. And, of course we all loved his sweaters!

wes sanders

July 26, 2004

Thinking of you with our prayers

and thoughts.

May beautiful memories help to sustain you in this time of sorrow.

Jeanette Velasquez

July 26, 2004

I was shocked and saddened when I heard of Cotton's death. I have been a long time fan of the Phoenix Suns. I always looked forward to hearing Cotton on the radio or seeing him on TV, or in the past, coaching on the sidelines. Cotton is "old school" in his approach to the game and that is something that cannot be replaced. I will miss his voice, and the upcoming season just won't be the same without him. Condolences to his wife and family. Cotton mentioned his family often and I know they are dear to his heart. God Bless you, Cotton. My heart is sad today.

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