James B. Cottrell went to be with Christ on July 3, 2023. He was a man of deep faith and touched many lives. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, his son, Nick, and his daughter Jamie Baldwin, his grandchildren, Shayla Baldwin, Jonus Cottrell, Toni Baldwin, and great grandchild, Kylie Bickford. 

After graduation, Jim, pursued a degree in English Education and  on May 28, 1977 he received his Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia State College.  Although he did not teach English, he did use his skills as a communicator and became a successful tool salesman.  While selling tools, Jim also taught karate and in November of 1993, he and some members of his club were featured on the cover of the Karate Magazine.

While a karate instructor, Jim taught a promising young student, Vicki Leshon, who later would become his wife.  They married on June 12, 1979.  At his death, they had been married 44 years.  For the first 11 years of marriage they lived in West Virginia, but in 1990 they felt the desire to move south and first moved to Tampa.  After just a few years they moved to Lakeland.

Upon their move to Lakeland, they became active members of First United Methodist Church.  Jim was an intricate part of the successful Disciple program.  He facilitated several year long classes where participants did an in-depth study of the Bible and what it means to each disciple of Christ.

Jim will be missed by his church family and especially his Sendero Sunday School class.  For many years prior to his death he sent out a weekly news letter.  He will also be missed by his beloved wife and all his children and grandchildren.  

 His service will be in the chapel at FUMC of Lakeland on Saturday, July 15th at 10AM.

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