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James Alan Kottmeier
In Memory Of

James Alan Kottmeier

9/9/1944 - 5/2/2020
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About James Alan Kottmeier

Jim (also known as Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo, Kotts, & Gator) was born September 9, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and passed away at home in Gold Canyon, Arizona, peacefully on May 2, 2020. Jim fought a four year struggle with MDS, a cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow.

Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business after serving two years in the US Army. He was proud to have worked as a design draftsman on the Apollo program in his early twenties.

Jim enjoyed a great 75 years despite the limitations of cancer at the end. Jim’s life was happy, full of good times with great friends and family. Jim loved music (especially jazz, blues, and rock) and played a mean set of drums. He also enjoyed watching and coaching baseball and swimming, Amtrak train rides, gardening, and a fulfilling career in business. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit, and kept Cheryl laughing until the end.

Jim lived in Cedar Rapids IA, Boston, MA, Newark, NJ, several places in Minnesota (Twin Cities, Northfield and Faribault), as well as St. Charles, MO, and Grinnell, IA. He moved fulltime to Gold Canyon, Arizona, in 2018.

Jim is survived by his terrific wife of 35 years, Cheryl Chase, his son James (Christine) of Franklin, MA, and granddaughter Caroline a college junior at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Jim is also survived by his surrogate nephew Joe Conry (Jennifer) of Lake Sammamish, Washington and Joe’s children Rowen, Rhianna, and Jameson. Joe and Jennifer have been wonderful and caring family members. He is also survived by sisters-in-laws Linda Anderson, Bonnie (Frank) Mesick, Gayle (Mylo) Bakken and many entertaining nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Hildegarde (Rabus) Kottmeier and older brother George Kottmeier.

He is sad to leave his wife, all of his great relatives and many good friends. In lieu of gifts or flowers donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Democratic party, or a charity of your choosing.

A decision regarding a memorial service will be made at a later date.

Honoring Your Loved Ones

Condolences

4 comments
Kathryn Curtis
ago
Cheryl, Thinking of you and remembering Jim. Many wonderful memories we all had together.
Jessica Hearl
ago
I called him Mr. Kottmeier. I will keep in my heart the memories of a kind, witty and fun man. He was my Dad’s best friend and I have vivid memories of them in the 80s mixing music for big CDC meetings, building a mini golf course for a client event, packing the car for a road trip to Brainerd and spending time by the backyard pool in Burnsville, MN. Mr. Kottmeier also helped me mix music for my high school dance team and then came to the competition to see the performance. What a special friendship Mr. Kottmeier and my dad shared for over 50 years. I am thankful they got to spend time together the past few years in AZ and I am greatful for the warm friendship of both Mr. Kottmeier and Cheryl. Sending my sympathies to you and your family Cheryl. Thinking of you.
Jamie Padilla
ago
It was always nice to see him come into the ATU where I met him. We bonded over being previous Iowegians. It was a sad day to hear he wouldn’t be coming back. He’ll forever hold a place in my heart. I’ll always remember that Twins hat. My condolences to his family, especially his wife Cheryl.
Emilie (Hearl) Goodall
ago
Kotts, as my dad called him, was his best friend. He was always there, since I was little, he was there. Quick with a joke, a beat and a warm hug, he was there. It pains me to think that he won’t be there anymore for my dad and especially for Cheryl. Words cannot wipe away my tears or dull the pain, only my wonderful memories of Jim will remain.