James Rudolph Cotton, 77, retired accountant, a resident of Muskogee, OK; transitioned Monday, January 19, 2015 in Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center.

On April 2, 1937, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, a son, James Rudolph was born to the union of Joe Turner Cotton and Willie Bell Cotton. He was the 3rd of 10 children. He attended Dunbar and Douglass Elementary Schools in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Sadler Jr. High, and graduated from Manual Training High School in 1956.

After graduating high school, he entered the United States Army where he served for six years.

After his discharge, he married Pauline R. Mabery, on July 28th, 1962, whom he'd met while home on leave in 1960 and was faithful to until passing.

Four children were born, Chiquita (Archellus) Ponds, James (Tammy) Cotton, Jr., Reggie (Toni) Cotton, and Daphne Cotton. His children provided pure joy by giving him seven grandchildren. two from Chiquita, Daphne and Ian; two from James, Jr., Amber and J'Mee; and three from Reggie, Stormy, Isaiah and Jordyn.

James R. Cotton, Sr. began college at Bacone where he attended for 2 years and then completed at Northeastern State University. He graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in Accounting in only 3 years, maintained a 4.0 grade point average, all while supporting a wife and three children and working a full time job at Coburn Manufacturing. After receiving his degree, his fourth child was born, he continued to promote within the company as an accountant and later retired from Coburn after more than 30 years.

James, fondly referred to most as "Rudolph", was a lifetime member of St. Mark Baptist Church, and served in many capacities. Some were, Church Training Director, Finance Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Church Auditor, Brotherhood Chorus and he was a Deacon until his passing. He enjoyed making walking canes from tree branches, fishing, bowling, reading, teaching, and ministering to children. He was a scholar of The Word of God and until his last day, quoted scripture and instructed his family on reading The Word. Some of his favorites were First and Second Peter, the Psalms, Proverbs and the book of James.

He was preceded in death by his parents, joe Turner Cotton & Willie Bell Cotton, two brothers, Joe Cotton & Marshall Cotton, and one sister, Dorothy Cotton.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, children, grandchildren, three sisters, Bettye Bridgett, Midwest City, OK; Mary (Lee John) Oliver, Tulsa, OK; Francis (Ricky) Lewis, Spencer, OK; one brother, John Franklin (Edie) Cotton, Dallas, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Home Going Celebration will be conducted Friday, January 23, 2015, 10:00 a.m., in St. Mark Baptist Church, 1020 S. 2nd, Muskogee, OK; with Rev. Rodger L.B. Cutler, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with military honors from Ft. Sill Honors team.

Visitation will be Thursday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by Ganger-House of Winn Funeral Home.