James Dean Kotti

Born in Augusta GA on March 29, 1957, Jim graduated from North Augusta High School with honors in 1975 and from Clemson University with a BS in Geology in 1982.

He was self-employed with Orion Environmental Consulting Inc.

Jim loved the outdoors and especially snow skiing and hiking. He was happiest when he was hiking the Appalachian Trail, or skiing anywhere there was snow. He had walked to the top of Big Bald and skied down during big snow accumulations. He had skied Davos Switzerland, Chamonix France, Mont Tremblant, Bromont, Mont Saint Anne, Panorama in Canada and most ski areas in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

His other hobbies include azalea propagation and rocks. Jim had collected rocks from around the world, including some from Brazil, Switzerland, Ilse of Mann, Scotland, France and Canada. His suitcase was always heavy with rocks on the return trip back to the US.

In 1985 Jim and Michelle were married at Camp Hope in Clemson SC. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in November 2015 with a second honeymoon trip to Tampa FL.

Jim is survived by his wife, Michelle Diaz-Kotti, mother, Patricia Kneale Kotti, brothers Douglas Kosta Kotti (Gayle Pooser Kotti), Thomas Spiro Kotti, (Nancy Meloan Kotti) William Patrick Kotti (Michelle Kelly Kotti) and sister, Carol Kotti Arrington (Paul Arrington). Jim was a beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews: Laura Kotti, Burt Kotti, Rachel Kotti Meeusen, Evan Kotti, Ryan Benitez, Blake Kotti, William Arrington, and Mackenzie Arrington; and three great nephews: Brody Meeusen, Jase Meeusen and Maxwell Kotti.

He was preceded in death by his father Kosta Spiro Kotti.

Jim was a loving husband, son, brother and uncle. He enjoyed ushering at the Greenville Little Theatre. He loved music and had a gift to play the piano by ear.

Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2013. He participated in a clinical trial through MUSC which was successful for at least 6 months before the cancer became active again. Jim fought the cancer with dignity while never losing his spirit.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11:00am at St. James Episcopal Church.

Burial will follow in West Memorial Park, Weaverville, NC Saturday afternoon at 2:30pm.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 6, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at The Mackey Mortuary.

Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD 20814; or to Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807.