James Redmond Cotter

February 19, 1961 - August 13, 2020

James R. Cotter, 59, of Bay City, our brilliant, funny, charismatic, handy, and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on the evening of Thursday, August 13, 2020 with his family by his side. Jim was born on February 19, 1961 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Robert James and Catherine Jean (Wilson) Cotter. Jim graduated from Pinconning High School and went on to further his education at Delta College; taking various skilled-trade classes, specializing as an electrician. It was in high school where he met the love of his life, the former Katheryn Ann Lepeak. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on June 20, 1981. Together they shared over 39 years together, five wonderful children, took care of many animals, and had countless memories. Jim enjoyed fishing, boating, photography, woodworking and burning, and hunting crawdads. You could always find him tinkering with something, taking it apart and putting it back together, or working on some sort of project – he truly was a jack of all trades. Above all, Jim loved his family, they were the lights of his life. He will be missed dearly and lovingly remembered for generations to come. Jim leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Katheryn; their children, Marci (Shaun) Johnson, Hailee Cotter, Courtney Cotter, Tiffany Anderson, and Ian James Cotter; he was the loving grandpa of Nora Johnson, Kehler Johnson, Clara Johnson, and Lennox Lacourse, along with many fur grandbabies. Jim also leaves his mother, Catherine Jean Cotter; sisters, Karon (Bill) Hetherington, Linda (Wayne) Cotter Conklin and Terri (Bill) Cotter Weitze, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was welcomed home to heaven by his father, Robert James Cotter and his brother, Robert Lansing Cotter. Jim’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, August 20, 2020, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. Memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.