James Alan Kottmeier
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James Alan Kottmeier
Obituary
Jim (also known as Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo, Kotts, & Gator) was born September 9, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and passed away at home in Gold Canyon, Arizona, peacefully on May 2, 2020. Jim fought a four year struggle with MDS, a cancer of the blood cells and bone marrow.
Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business after serving two years in the US Army. He was proud to have worked as a design draftsman on the Apollo program in his early twenties.
Jim enjoyed a great 75 years despite the limitations of cancer at the end. Jim’s life was happy, full of good times with great friends and family. Jim loved music (especially jazz, blues, and rock) and played a mean set of drums. He also enjoyed watching and coaching baseball and swimming, Amtrak train rides, gardening, and a fulfilling career in business. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit, and kept Cheryl laughing until the end.
Jim lived in Cedar Rapids IA, Boston, MA, Newark, NJ, several places in Minnesota (Twin Cities, Northfield and Faribault), as well as St. Charles, MO, and Grinnell, IA. He moved fulltime to Gold Canyon, Arizona, in 2018.
Jim is survived by his terrific wife of 35 years, Cheryl Chase, his son James (Christine) of Franklin, MA, and granddaughter Caroline a college junior at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Jim is also survived by his surrogate nephew Joe Conry (Jennifer) of Lake Sammamish, Washington and Joe’s children Rowen, Rhianna, and Jameson. Joe and Jennifer have been wonderful and caring family members. He is also survived by sisters-in-laws Linda Anderson, Bonnie (Frank) Mesick, Gayle (Mylo) Bakken and many entertaining nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Hildegarde (Rabus) Kottmeier and older brother George Kottmeier.
He is sad to leave his wife, all of his great relatives and many good friends. In lieu of gifts or flowers donate to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Democratic party, or a charity of your choosing.
A decision regarding a memorial service will be made at a later date.
9 responses to James Alan Kottmeier
W Houston & Kimberly Dougharty says:
May 5, 2020
We are thinking of you, Cheryl. Jim was a great guy and we feel fortunate to have known him in Grinnell. Peace be with you as you remember all of the good times together.
Dale and LeeNae Domsten says:
May 5, 2020
In the past three years as “across-the-street” neighbors, LeeNae and I have enjoyed becoming friends of Jim and Cheryl. While Jim was battling cancer during that time, he was always friendly and gave personal interest in anyone that he talked to. After attending chemo sessions with him, he knew every nurse and supporting staff and they enjoyed the conversations he had with each of them. I miss his smile and the trivia we shared! We’re thankful we had the opportunity to know him.
Jonathan Andelson says:
May 5, 2020
I didn’t know Jim well while he lived in Grinnell, but we had many enjoyable conversations. He was a smart, warm, and genuine person of great spirit. I am very sorry that he has gone.
Luann Leonard says:
May 5, 2020
May you find peace as you reminisce the loving memories you shared. May your father be at peace with the Lord. May God help you and your family get through this difficult time.
♥️Luann
John Hearl says:
May 5, 2020
I already miss my long time and best friend of 50 years. The sports, business, and personal activities Jim and I did together during that timeframe are far to many to list. It just seems as I reflect back if we could imagine a good activity that we might like, we would do it even when we did not live close to each other. A car race, a baseball game, a golf match turned into yearly events that we would attend together religiously. We were always in touch and very excited when Jim and Cheryl decided to move to the Phoenix area. After many years it was great to be close again where we could enjoy a spontaneous lunch, dinner ballgame, or even a classic car auction.
Jim was clearly the brother I never had and a integral part of my family. We can just clearly best describe him as a dear friend who made everyone he knew a better person in many ways.