James Harry Cotter

James Harry Cotter was born on July 19, 1927, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Harry E. and Cora H. Cotter. They moved to Columbus, Ohio, when he was in the 7th grade. He received his education at North High School and Ohio State University, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He married his high school and college sweetheart, Patricia "Petey" Todd Cotter. They were wed for 61 years. He passed away on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in Baton Rouge, at age 81. He was in the packaging business of folding and set-up cartons, having been associated with Lengsfield Bros., Container Corp., Weyerhauser, Finn Industries and Simkins Industries before going into business for himself. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was a member of the Suburban Gun and Rod Club. A member of Safari Club International and co-founder of the Louisiana Chapter, he served a two-year term as president. He went on safaris to Africa and South America, and was listed in the S.C.I. record book many times. He was past president of the Holiday Club, was a member of Lakeview United Methodist Church in New Orleans, and was a member of Metairie Country Club. He lived in Dallas, Texas, Jackson, Miss., and New Orleans for more than 40 years, when Hurricane Katrina forced a move to Baton Rouge, where he and Petey became residents of St. James Place. Survivors include his wife, Patricia "Petey" Cotter; son, Gregory James Cotter and wife Pennie Cotter, of Baton Rouge; daughter, Kimberly Anne Emerson and husband the Rev. Dr. Richard Emerson, of Longview, Texas; and three granddaughters, Sarah Elizabeth Cotter, of Del Ray Beach, Fla., and Emily Grace and Hannah Faith Emerson, both of Longview. The family would like to thank the caregivers at St. James Place for the wonderful care they gave our husband, father, and grandfather. A private family funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the W. R. Aldrich Chapel at First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge.Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home.