Obituary of Jack A. Cotten

CANASTOTA . . . Jack A. Cotten, age 91, of Canastota, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, after four months of illness. He was born on September 9, 1932, in Eden, NY, the son of the late Elmer and Mabel (Trifthauser) Cotten. Jack spent his early years in Eden, attending the Eden Central Schools, and later graduated from art school. He lived in Gowanda and Oneida, and has lived in Canastota for many years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving overseas in the United States Army. Jack was the C.E.O. of Cotten Soft Water Conditioning in Oneida and Canastota, retiring in 2004. He was previously part owner of Four Brothers Water Conditioning in Fredonia. A talented artist, he had watercolor shows in New York and Massachusetts. Jack was an active member of the VFW Memorial Post #600 in Canastota. He was also Vice-President of the Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc. in Canastota. Jack was a faithful member of Hope Christian Fellowship in Canastota. Jack leaves behind his loving family, including his devoted wife of sixty years, Carol A. Cotten; two children, Allen J. Cotten and Jan H. Wilson. He was a papa to two grandchildren, Kayli and Zach Wilson; and two great grandchildren, Amirah and Zayden Antoine. Sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Robert Umiker; brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Margaret Cotten; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jack was predeceased by a son, Brian J. Cotten; a sister, Jane Hydick; and two brothers, Elmer and Paul Cotten. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Thomas G. Burgess of Hope Christian Fellowship, Canastota, will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Oneida. In his memory, contributions may be made to Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc., 8375 N. Main Street, Canastota, NY 13032, or to Hope Christian Fellowship, PO Box 251, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.