Jim Cotton

James “Jim” Earl Cotton, 73, of Bentonville, formerly of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away February 28, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Betsy Burgin Cotton of Bentonville; his children, James Burgin Cotton of Lowell and Taylor (Elijah) Hill of Bentonville; grandchildren, Parker Grayce and Ellis James Hill; siblings, Donna Cotton Parker of Van Buren, Beverly Cotton Taylor of Eureka Springs, and Bill Cotton of Paris; niece Merritt Taylor of Fayetteville; and numerous cousins. Preceding him in death were his parents, J.W. and Lena Cotton, nephew J. Cody Nutt, and his brother-in-law/fishing buddy, Johnny Parker.

Jim was born on January 27, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas to James (J.W.) Walter and Lena Askins Cotton. He graduated from Paris High School in 1967 and attended the University of Arkansas. He was a successful entrepreneur of various businesses in the Fort Smith area. Following retirement, he and his wife, Betsy, moved to Bentonville to be near family and to allow him to fully immerse himself in his most important role of all, Poppy.

While in Fort Smith, Jim was active on the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair Board, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, Fort Smith Builders Association, Arkansas Rentals Association, Fort Smith Partners in Education mentorship, University of Arkansas Alumni Association, and the Lake Tenkiller Motorcycle Club - Pine Cove Chapter, which disbanded following one event (inside joke).

A celebration of life services will be held on March 7, 2022 at 1:00pm at the Riverfront Pavilion, 100 North B Street, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Services and cremation are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.

In remembrance of his life, in lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Foundation – Endocrine and Diabetes Program, PO Box 2207 Lowell, AR 72745 or www.archildrens.org/giving or to the Deb Project at www.debproject.com, supporting local children in foster care.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com