James Thomas Cotter, 79, of East Ridge, died on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at his residence.
He died from cancer and he was under the care of Hospice. He served in World War II in the South Pacific on the submarine Jaleo. This past summer he attended a 60th year reunion in Manitowoc, Wis., of his tour of service.
He retired from Combustion Engineering in 1983 after 38 years in the machine shop. He also played intramural softball for most of those years, traveling to many major cities for tournaments. He also was on the bowling team for many years until retirement. He was an active member of Ridgedale Baptist Church serving as deacon and coaching the girls and boys softball teams during the 1970s and early ’80s.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Argo Cotter; and his parents, William James and Mary Mahoney Cotter; two brothers, William Cotter and Edward Cotter; four sisters, Catherine Weller, Mary Elizabeth Golden, Gertrude Wells and Dorothy Love.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Gerry Roberson Cotter; one daughter, Linda Clonts and son-in-law, Bradley Clonts, of Panama City, Fla.; son, Thomas "Tommy" Cotter of East Ridge; two stepsons, Dewayne Roberson and stepdaughter-in-law, Susan Roberson of Trenton, Ga., and Steve Roberson of Chattanooga; two stepdaughters, Rhonda Roberson Moore and stepson-in-law, Jim Moore, of Nashville, and Charlene Roberson Harvey ; two grandsons, Zane Williams from Panama City and Corey Williams from West Palm Beach, Fla.; two granddaughters, Jenny Lin Clonts and Shonda Cotter; two great-grandsons, Logan Williams and Dustin Williams; three stepgrandsons, Jonathan Roberson, Grant Roberson and Charlton Moore; four stepgranddaughters, Karen Rogers, Melissa Rogers, Amber Moore and Rebecca Harvey; several stepsisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday at the Ridgedale Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Owens and the Rev. Dan Parker officiating.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons and the Joy Sunday School Class will be the honorary pallbearers.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-8 p.m. at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to FAITH the Foundation at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.