Jack Raymond Cotterell
Jack Raymond Cotterell, 83, of League City, TX, passed away on April 27, 2024. Jack was born on December 31, 1940, in American Falls, Idaho, to Clifford Mansfield Cotterell and Lauretta Bell (neé Anderson) Cotterell. He attended Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, Montana, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Joan. They married on July 27, 1958, had three children, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.
He graduated from Idaho State University in 1964 with a degree in industrial electricity and instrumentation. His career took him and his family across the country until they settled in League City in 1974.
The son of a teacher who was dedicated to building up others, Jack taught apprenticeship classes at the local union and was a mentor to many throughout his career. Jack was a member of the Pipe Fitter’s Local Union 211 for 59 years. He was also a longtime member of the League City Masonic Lodge. Jack was also honorably discharged from his service in the National Guard of Idaho and Montana and as a reserve of the Army.
A dedicated father, grandfather and great grandfather, Jack was involved in his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s various activities as they grew. He participated in coaching football, baseball, softball, leading Boy Scout troops, performing in dance recitals, and being the best spectator a kid could ask for.
After retirement, he enjoyed traveling the country with Joan, Lizzie, and their RV club, The Roving Gypsies. He was a naturally gifted dancer and cribbage player, enjoying both into old age.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory: daughter Laurie Blackshear, sons Jack Vernon (JV) and Anthony Edward (Tony), 7 grandchildren Sean, Kate, Rebecca, Sarah, Catherine, Jack, and Tyler and 5 great-grandchildren Casen, Coda, Olivia, Truett, and Indigo.
In celebration of his life, there will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 851 FM 517 Rd W, Dickinson, Texas 77539. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Crowder Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the causes that were important to Jack:
Triangle Special Hockey Association trianglespecialhockey.org
Autism Society of North Carolina www.autismsociety-nc.org
Jack Cotterell will live in my memory as one of the best men I have ever known and associated with .He was always a true gentleman and one of those rare friends who was always ready to help , aide, and assist any one in need . During our 30 plus years of friendship and Masonic brotherhood , Jack was always the first to volunteer his services when there was a need, and he was always the one who stayed behind to assist in the cleanup of whatever function we had just taken part in. To the bereaved family I offer my heartfelt condolences and my assistance if you need me . It seems like it was just yesterday that we were saying good by to Joan , and now you have to once again go through another tragic loss . You are in my prayers for comfort and peace.
“Grandpa Jack” as we came to know him as we were adopted into he and Joan’s extended family, was a true gentleman. We were lucky enough to be welcomed into his home and family. We only knew him a short while but he made a long lasting impression. We’ll miss you here for sure but will look forward to our “heavenly reunion” one day. Praying for your family’s comfort and peace. Your Pennsylvania family…
Condolences from Canada.
Prayers for peace to all who mourn the loss of Jack, and to Laurie in particular, whose life is most impacted by the elevation to glory of her dear father Jack. Laurie’s quiet constant care for her parents when they were no longer able to advocate for and care for themselves was exemplary.
While I never met Jack, I got to know him a little through Laurie. He won my heart with his comment to Laurie following Joan’s funeral.
If one’s legacy is seen in the love, the strength and the compassion of one’s children, of their willingness to sacrificially put others first, then Jack’s legacy is immense.
To the family as you prepare to lay this remarkable man to rest: live your lives so as to make him proud. Cherish his memory. Comfort each other. Love each other.
May the Lord Jesus Christ bring you comfort as you grieve.
Prayers go out to your entire family as you grieve this earthly loss.
Laurie, we are sorry that we were unable to attend. I just watched your father’s service and thought it was lovely. Such a sad occasion for you and your loved ones. I wish I had known him.
Our love to you.