James Cotton, Jr

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend of many, departed this earth and entered God’s kingdom on November 16, 2025.

James Cotton, Jr. was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on October 22, 1951, to Robert Armour and Arlene Lee, who both preceded him in death. He was one of six siblings, including Marilyn Beaty, Sofearia Jabari, Pradia Draper, Jr., Linda Hagler and William Draper. Linda and William preceded him in death.

James was raised in Holly Grove, Arkansas by James Cotton, Sr. and Cora Lee Cotton (who both preceded him in death), along with three sisters – Dora Lee Gwinn (deceased), Jean Rivers and Betty Jean Allen. He also fathered a son, Ronald Dewayne Foster (deceased).

James attended Holly Grove High School, and immediately upon graduation, enlisted in the Army and served from 1973 – 1975, achieving the rank of SP4.

In 1972, while visiting family in Kansas City, MO., James began working for Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake, as a Shipper/Receiver. Following his time in the Army, he later moved there and resumed employment with Wonder/Hostess, retiring in 2005 after 30 years. He also owned and operated James & Sons Trucking and as a hobby, bought and sold auction cars.

In 1987, James married Brenda Lee Hudson, and a blended family of four resulted from their union – Leslie, Marisa, Tyesha & James, III.

James accepted Christ and was baptized in 1989 and ordained as a deacon under the leadership of the late Rev. Lee E. Freeman, Sr., of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

He continued his Christian service from 1994 – 2004 under the leadership of the late Pastor Dr. Donald D. Ford, I, of Second Missionary Baptist Church, in Grandview, MO.

In 2005, James became a much-beloved member of New Life in Christ International Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Keith & Pastor Lisa Wesley and served faithfully in the Deacon, Brothers Keepers and Helping Hands Food Pantry ministries until his health failed him in 2020.

Of his many accomplishments, James’ proudest would be that of husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord, often ministering his faith to visitors and hospital staff from his sick bed.

James leaves to forever mourn his passing: his wife, Brenda L. Cotton; one son, James Cotton, III (Lauren); three daughters, Leslie Eskridge, Marisa Robinson and Tyesha Douglas; one brother, Pradia Draper; four sisters, Jean Rivers, Marilyn Beaty (Morris), Sofearia Jabari (Olu) and Betty Jean Allen; four grandsons, John Eskridge, Jr., Darius Jackson, Desean Neyland and James Cotton, IV; five granddaughters, Roniqua Foster, Jordan Eskridge, Ava Coleman, Zoe Coleman, and Jayla Cotton and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.