Michael James Cotton

Michael James Cotton (21) of Dripping Springs, Texas departed his earthly life on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Born May 16, 2002, in Austin, Texas, he was the son of Casey and Beth (Farinacci) Cotton. From his infancy, Michael was a happy, outgoing, and kind soul with big brown eyes and an infectious smile the size of Texas. It was these traits that made him easily gather friends and impact others along his life’s adventures.

Growing up in Dripping Springs, Michael was adventurous. He loved being outside, and he was as much at home in the woods and the mountains as he was in his own backyard. He loved animals and had a gentle way with them. Whether it was the family’s horses, dogs, cats, or his show lambs, he was able to communicate with them without a spoken word but with a glance or a gentle touch. His love for animals and the outdoors radiated in his dedication to raising and showing lambs and rabbits. He was highly rewarded for his hard work at numerous “jackpot shows” and the Travis County Youth Show where he won Grand Champion Market Lamb and Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb. In addition to his successes with livestock, he also earned Grand Champion Stained Glass, Grand Champion Apple Pie, Grand Champion Blackberry Pie and numerous Blue Ribbons for other projects at the county show.

Michael accomplished a great deal in his 21 years and leaves a legacy that will impact many. He was an active and dedicated member of the West Austin 4-H Club serving in various leadership positions. He also obtained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project he built a Rosary Garden allowing others a unique and meaningful way to pray at his home parish. As a proud scout, Michael was a member of Troop 52 in Lakeway, Texas, and he held multiple leadership positions supporting and mentoring younger scouts. One position that he was proud of was serving as the Crew Chaplain while backpacking the mountains at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

Michael had a strong and devoted faith. His faith in God grew daily as he became a young man and learned to walk with joy on God’s path. He loved the Lord and was very passionate and dedicated to his youth group in high School. Michael attended Life Teen Camp Covecrest in Georgia several times. As a high school student, he could not wait to be a “summer missionary” at a Life Teen Camp. He twice accomplished his goal in the summers of 2021 and 2023. Watching him grow in his faith was rewarding and inspirational to others.

Michael had a contagious sense of humor and could light up a room with his charm and his smile. Fast cars and rock n’ roll music were his “things,” and he was often told that he should have been a child of the 1980’s because of his love of 80’s hair bands. If you knew Michael, you knew these two things were part of what made Michael, Michael. Those who knew Michael also knew his love and passion for Whataburger and food in general.

Although Michael’s life was cut short by a tragic car accident while fulfilling one of his dreams to be a summer missionary at Hidden Lake Life Teen Camp in Georgia, his impact on others will live on. Michael will be remembered as an exceptionally generous and loving young man. The strength of his faith, love of family and friends, and the many others that he touched during his brief stay on this earth made him incredibly special. He will be dearly missed by many.

Michael is survived by his parents; two sisters, Emily Cotton of Houston, Texas, and Emily (Hill) Goetz and her husband, Nick, of North Pole, Alaska; grandparents, John and Susan (Brignull) Farinacci of Austin, Texas and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral Mass and a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 8th, at 10:30 a.m. at Emmaus Catholic Parish, Lakeway, Texas with Very Rev. David M. Leibham presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Michael James Cotton Foundation. Donations may be sent to The Michael James Cotton Foundation at PO Box 984, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Or visit the website at www.TheMJCFoundation.org to make an online donation.

The Michael James Cotton Foundation’s focus is “Helping Others Stay Solid in Their Faith through Growth and Renewal.” The Foundation is an economic opportunity made available for Adolescents and Young Adults to help conquer the growing challenges of addiction, depression, anxiety, and mental health. Although an accident took Michael from this world way too early, he won this battle against great odds. Together, with your help, The Michael James Cotton Foundation will help provide the opportunity to others who have the desire and drive but lack the economic means to achieve the Victory that Michael experienced.