James W. Cotter, Jr.

James W. Cotter, Jr., 77, of 205 Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 8, 2021, at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born July 17, 1944, in St. Marys, son of the late James W. and Rita Gerber Cotter, Sr. Jim was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1962, as well as a graduate of Gannon University. He was a former employee of Airco in Niagara Falls and was a retired co-owner of the Cotter’s Garage.

On August 20, 1966, in the St. Boniface Church, Jim married Mary Johna Heigel, who survives.

He is also survived by his daughter, Jodi Fleming and her husband Paul of St. Marys; his son, Dr. Jason Cotter and his wife Lisa of Bluffton, SC; his five grandchildren: Matthew and Rachel Fleming and Logan, Chase, and Gracie Cotter; and his brother, Joseph F. Cotter (Patricia) of St. Marys.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia A. Marshall.

Jim was a member of the Queen of the World Church, where he served on the church council. He coached Little League and helped start the first youth soccer teams in St. Marys. Jim was always busy with his hobbies of gardening, cooking, and woodworking. He ran a successful business based on honesty and integrity, for which he received many awards. Jim was humble and always willing to help. He was a great husband for 53 years, a caring father, and enjoyed being a grandpa to all five of his grandchildren.

There will be no visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial for close family and friends will be held in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, November 15, 2021, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Kevin Holland, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.