James Raymond Cottrell

James Raymond Cottrell passed away at home on January 27th, 2014, from brain cancer. He was 63 years old. Beloved husband of Maria A. Cottrell and devoted father of Eric, Christina, Roger, Samuel, and stepfather to Alexandra and Zachary. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Jean Cottrell and a brother Richard W. Cottrell. Jim is survived by his wife, Maria A. Cottrell, his sister Laura (George) Manikas and brother William R. Cottrell. Jim will be greatly missed by his in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, M.S.RAU co-workers, and an entire host of friends. Jim passed away at home with the help of St. Joseph's Hospice, surrounded by the eternal love of his wife and family. Jim attended Providence Catholic High School and Lewis University in Illinois. He worked for the FAA for 20 years as an air traffic controller and pursued his love for history and fine arts through his position as vice president in sales at M.S.RAU Antiques till present. Jim loved classical music, museums, reading the Wall Street Journal, had a fine taste for food and wine. He had a lifelong dedication to physical fitness. He worked out daily running since he was 14 years old to later on in life, bicycling and weight training which he continued till 4 weeks before his death. His positive outlook was amazing and carried him through this illness and was an inspiration to many. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Baronne Street on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private. Visitation will be at LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial Gifts - Donations to the LSU Department of Neurosurgery in the name of a loved one or friend furthers our work against brain tumors. We will send an acknowledgement to the family or individuals you designate. Please be sure to include the full mailing address of the individual who should receive our note of appreciation. Gifts and donations may be sent to: Frank Culicchia, MD Chairman c/o Wendy Roark LSU Health Sciences Center Neurosurgery Department 2020 Gravier Street Room 747 New Orleans, LA 70112 Questions about donations can be directed to Wendy Roark atwroark@lsuhsc.edu or (504) 568-2582 Or charity of choice, preferred. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.