James W. Cotter

James W. Cotter
Clinton
James William Cotter, 59, of Clinton and White Lake, died at home on Wednesday, December 24, after a long illness. He was born in Buffalo, December 7, 1949, the son of Ray W. and Sophia Vaughan Cotter. Educated in Amherst, NY schools, he graduated from the University of Michigan in 1972 with a degree in Natural Resources. Upon graduation, he joined the Peace Corps and worked for three years in Malacatancito, Guatemala developing reforestation projects, an experience which inspired a lifelong love of travel, the Spanish language and Latin-American culture. In November 1976, he married Sarah Fisher in Utica, and has resided in this area ever since. For 15 years, he worked at the Oneida County Boiler Works as Vice-President of sales. He later worked as a manufacturer's representative for Octopus Equipment and Steam Plant Systems, providing pollution control equipment to the power industries. He took great pleasure in the relationships he developed with his customers across the state. Jim was a member of the Deansboro United Church of Christ and long served as Moderator. He loved all sports because he loved to play, and coached AYSO soccer for many years. He was proud of his unbroken string of Boilermaker Races, given up only when he was too sick to run. He was most content when 'playing in the dirt', and left many lasting monuments of beauty in landscaping and garden projects, especially at his beloved camp on White Lake. He leaves as well the lasting beauty of his floral watercolors which he loved to share with his many friends. But what Jim will be remembered for most are the marks he left on the hearts of all who knew him, for one couldn't be with him without feeling the power of his optimism, thoughtfulness and grace. For us who knew and loved him, a bright light has gone out. Besides his mother, Sophia, of Hampstead, NC, Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah; his sons, Brendan V. Cotter, of Liverpool, William K. Cotter, of New York City, and Gavin M. Cotter, of Boston; his sisters, Cathy Cotter and husband, Frank White, of Hampstead, NC, and Barbara Cotter, of San Jose, CA; and his brother, Ray Jr. and wife, Sandra Cotter, of Seattle, WA. He was predeceased by his father and brother, Clifford. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Jim's name to the Deansboro United Church of Christ or the PAACT (Patient Advocates for Advanced Cancer Treatments) at PO Box 141695, Grand Rapids, MI 49514. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, January 3 at 2 p.m. at Westminster Church, 714 Washington St., Utica. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of Surridge & Roberts Funeral Home, 470 French Rd., Utica. Messages of sympathy at www.surridgeandroberts.com.
James Cotter