James Cotton Jr

James Thomas Cotton, Jr., 74 years of age, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury.

James was born May 31, 1941 in Stanly County to the late James Thomas Cotton, Sr. and the late Dorothy Lee Dolly Lemons Cotton.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel in Albemarle, officiated by Rev. Junior Medlin and Rev. Mark Forrest. The burial will follow at Stanly Gardens of Memory, 2001 East Main St., Albemarle. Military honors will be conducted by the Stanly County DAV, Chapter #12. At other times, the family will be gathering at the home.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Mary Louise Sheppard Cotton of the home; son, Damon Cotton of Charlotte; daughter, Angela Forrest and husband Mark of Norwood; step daughters, Joan Forman and husband Ed of Norwood, Paula McRorie and husband Bobby of Monroe, Linda Allen of Arizona; grandchildren, Matthew Forrest and wife Savanna of Albemarle, Heather Carhart and husband Eric of Charleston, SC; great-grandson, Luke Carhart; step grandchildren, Garrett Forman of Norwood, Brandon Gallimore of Ohio, Kyler Gallimore of Denver, Colorado; step great-grandson, Jaxon Gallimore; twin sister, Jane Mercer of Raleigh; and brother, Jerry Cotton of Richfield.

James honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. The joy of his life was his dog, Cody.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Cotton family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com