James L. “Jim” Cottrell

James L. “Jim” Cottrell, age 89, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Born in Wilmington, DE on February 7, 1934, he was a son of the late Frederick Lester and Phyllis (Dalecki) Cottrell. Jim was a graduate of Wilmington High School in 1952. He proudly served in the Army National Guard and Reserves. Jim spent his career as a sheet metal worker with Local 19 of Philadelphia for 37 years until his retirement in 1988.

Family always came first for Jim, he adored his grandchildren and spent most of his vacations traveling to foreign countries or going on cruises with his wife. He was a devoted member of the Mason’s, Washington Lodge #1 and the Cavaliers Country Club. Jim was an avid coin collector and loved to dance. His greatest passion in life was golfing, he would spend countless hours on the green perfecting his game. Most of all, Jim will be remembered for his loving, caring, and generous spirit. He was a fun person with a great personality; he didn’t talk much but when he did, his dry sense of humor always made people laugh. Jim wasn’t always the most social man but he kept his friendships for many years.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Frederick L. Cottrell, Jr. and Loretta Moore. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Lou (Bunch) Cottrell; the delight of his life, daughter, Kathryn Redman; grandchildren, Laura and her children, Michael and Jared, and Victoria (Patrick) and their children, Alyvia, Lilly, and Addison; and sister, Phyllis Chiculo.

All services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Delaware Humane Society, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or online by clicking here or the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 or online by clicking here.