James "Jim" William Cottman, 84, US Army veteran, passed away Monday April 22, 2024 in Tulsa surrounded by his daughters and loved ones.

Viewing will be Thursday April 25, 2024 between the hours of 12 noon and 8 pm at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service.

Funeral services will be held on Friday April 26, 2024 at the Broadway Baptist Church beginning at 2 pm with Pastor Lee Herring officiating.

Born on November 17, 1939, in a quaint log cabin in Perkins, Oklahoma, James was the son of Gerald "Buck" Cottman and Alice Pearl Polite. He grew up as one of six children, with his brothers Joe, Bobby, and Terry—who have all passed—and his sisters Linda and Patti, who are with us still.

From the very start, on the family farm, Jim cultivated a profound love for the outdoors, farming, gardening, nature, and animals. This early connection to the land and to life's simpler pleasures shaped his character and his path.

Upon graduating from Charles Page High School, Jim served his country with pride in the Army alongside his older brother & best friend Joe.  He later married his soulmate, Marcella Crook, on November 23, 1962, in Miami, Oklahoma.  Jim knew instantly she was the one he would marry after spotting her in town one day walking. Together, they devoted themselves to their family, raising their three daughters—Laura, Lisa, and Jennifer—and reveling in the joys of their grandchildren's school and sporting events, weenie roasts, birthday parties, and every precious moment in between.

James and Marcella were devoted members of Broadway Baptist Church since the early 1970s. Their shared commitment extended to caring for the church, where Marcella served in the nursery and together, they kept the church pristine. Their partnership lasted 37 beautiful years until Marcella's passing in 1997.

Jim's days often found him outdoors—mowing, fixing, gardening, or swimming—after his shifts at the steel mill. He enjoyed making people laugh, his Sunday morning church visits, and he never missed an opportunity to share his hopeful conviction that he would one day win a million dollars from Publisher's Clearinghouse, a sweepstake he participated in for over 35 years.

He lived fully, inspired others with his wit, grace, and wisdom, and was a beacon of light in every room.

James W. Cottman, you have indelibly marked our hearts and lives. We love and cherish you always.

Surviving Jim's passing are his daughters, Laura Ann Norton (Charles), Lisa Kay Fisher (Ellis), Jennifer Lane and fiancé Eddie Kesselring; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; two sisters, Linda Soles (Aubrey) and Patti Wooten (Kenneth); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to; thestrokefoundation.org in Jim's honor, for education, training and rehab facilities and staff for level 4 stroke patients.