James Andrew Cotton's Obituary
James Andrew Cotton of Albemarle NC,” Andy” to those who knew him, died suddenly and most unexpectedly at his home on June 23, 2023. He was born 7 June 1949, in Asheville, NC to William Donaldson Cotton Sr. and Daisy Isabel Lockliear Cotton. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Ruth Stanhope Cotton, sons Christopher ”Chris” Andrew Cotton (wife Nicole) and James Douglass Cotton (fiancee Sarah); brother William ”Bill” Donalsdon Cotton, Jr (wife Connie Jane Combs Cotton).
His earliest childhood was in Mars Hill, NC where his parents taught at Mars Hill College. After time in Chapel Hill NC where his parents were in graduate school at UNC, the remainder of his childhood was in Misenheimer NC where his parents taught at Pfeiffer College (now University). He attended schools in Richfield and Albemarle NC before enrolling in Pfeiffer from which he graduated in 1971. He married Ruth Stanhope on 19 June 1971.
After college he joined the Navy and was stationed at Weymouth Naval Air Station in Massachusetts. Following active duty, he spent many years in the Air National Guard including service in Kuwait during the Second Iraq War.
He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte after leaving active duty obtaining a Masters degree in 1977.
This led to a career teaching science at Jessie Carrson High School in Rowan County and Northwest Cabarrus County Middle School.
Andy had many and varied interests he pursued over the years. One lifelong passion was cars. As a teenager he acquired a sporty car ”in need of some repair”. After working on its engine, the head appeared warped. He was told that baking it in the oven might unwarp it. Since it wouldn’t fit in the family stove, he had his mother inquiring of the neighbors” Can I bake my son’s head in your oven?” Later, vintage Ford Mustangs filled his garage, and he was a long-time member of the Carolina Regional Mustang Club.
Andy was an accomplished photographer providing semi-professional services to weddings and other groups. He really excelled at wildlife photography. He greatly enjoyed singing and used his considerable talent as a member of the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Albemarle, NC, the Uwharrie Players, the Piedmont Choral Society and the Stanly County Concert Choir. He was a member of the Uwharrie Players, acting in numerous plays since 1975.
Travel was also one of Andy’s passions. Trips to the American Southwest leading groups of students or with family members or just solo were yearly events. He went on numerous mission trips organized by his church to Zambia in Africa. There were also a number of safaris in Southern Africa with brother Bill to shoot wildlife with his trusty Canon cameras.
After retiring from teaching Andy built a woodworking shop in his basement where he created amazing works of art posing as furniture. Many of these feature colorful woods he brought back from Africa.
Andy had a great sense of humor and a love of life. He was generous to, and accepting of, all. His loss leaves a big hole in the lives of all those who knew and loved him.
His memorial service will be Saturday July 1st at First Presbyterian Church of Albemarle NC at 1:00 PM. Visiting after the service.
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