James A. Cotter Sr., born at St. Elizabeth Hospital on May 17, 1935, to George F. and Wivine M. (Haye) Cotter.  He died on Monday, March 13, 2023, at his home, too soon by some accounts and not soon enough by others.  He is happy he can now join his wife, Mary, and their son, Michael, and daughter, Patricia.

The FAA is not on his "how to influence friends" list.  He requested a special flight permit to fly his airplane to heaven, and the FAA denied it.  He is a bit upset that he did not live long enough to complete all he had planned.  When asked why, he said, "that's life."

He wanted to thank his wife, Mary, for the 53 plus years she put up with him before she died in 2010.  He also wants to thank his living children for keeping him on his toes and alert.  Kelly and Peter, Cheri and Steve, Cathy, James II, and John and Shanda.  His 13 grandchildren:  Lauren (Troy), Amy (Whitney), Jennifer, David, Martin, Greta, James III, Rachel (Jared), Allyson, Maximillian (Megan), John II, Alyssa, and Ashley; and 6 great-grandchildren:  Brynn, Bentley, Emerie, Finnegan, Eleanor, and Millie are all a mixed bag of fun, love, and individual accomplishments.  His older brother, Fr. Pius Cotter, OFM Cap, whom he nurtured and guided passed away in 2018.  4 sisters:  Mary, Therese (who died in 2006), Ann, and Lois.  What do you say about sisters other than they teach patience, love, and forgiveness?

Jim was in the U. S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957 serving in Okinawa and stateside, plus an additional four years of Reserves.  After several jobs with local businesses, Jim joined the Appleton Police Department where he spent 25 years before accepting the Police Chief position at the City of Glendale, retiring as Chief.  Jim joined the faculty at Gateway Technical College where he taught aeronautics and continued teaching specialty subjects at area flight schools after he retired a second time.  Jim did volunteer work as a third career and loved it.

Jim has asked that no gift of any kind be given at the occasion of his death.  But he does ask that you give of your time, treasure, or talent to those in need.  Jim lived by two statements his mom and dad taught him – "there is always room for one more at the table" and "what goes out the door comes back through the window."  Jim added a third, "for it is in giving that we receive."  St. Francis of Assisi.

Jim wanted to thank each of his children and grandchildren for their love and support and making sure he was always taken care of.  "Love and prayers to each one of you!"  Dad/Grandpa

Jim also wanted to send his sentiments to all the people who thanked him for serving in the military and in the police department, and to his adopted "families" from St. Elizabeth Hospital and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Greenville.  He treasured his Honor Flight in 2015.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, March 21 ^st , at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, N2385 Municipal Dr. Greenville, with Father Michael Warden officiating, followed immediately by full military honors.  Friends may visit from 4 pm to 8 pm on Monday, March 20 ^th , at the Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, and directly at the church on Tuesday from 9 am until 10:45 am.  Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established for St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church Expansion, St. Elizabeth Hospital Pack and Play Mission, and St. Mary Student Endowment Fund.

Jim believed in writing his own obituary.  If anyone has comments, please see him.

Livestream Link https://youtu.be/Si-I05sAx1s