James ‘Jim’ Cottrell

James “Jim” Cottrell, 72, of Sullivan, MO, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

James Vencil Cottrell was born in Steelville, MO on March 19, 1950 to Arlie “Vencil” and Myrtle “Alline” (Harris) Cottrell. He was raised in Steelville and graduated from Steelville High in 1968. During his senior year of high school, Jim broke the record for shot put and discus and held that record for many decades. He became a Christian at a young age and served the Lord all of his life.

Jim met his sweetheart, Janice Lynne Cockman, in third grade. They were united in marriage on January 17, 1970, and to this union they were blessed with three children: Rebecca, Ronald, and Dale. Jim succeeded at owning/operating Cottrell Tire & Glass for ten years. He was employed by Wonder Bread for sixteen years, and retired from Flowers Bread in 2015, after nine years of service as a route supervisor.

Jim had the biggest heart and hands of anyone ever. He was very community minded and loved serving the communities of Steelville and Sullivan. He was very instrumental in establishing the Steelville Fire District, and even served as Chief of the Steelville Volunteer Fire Department. Jim also served as a deacon at Steelville and Sullivan Assembly of God Churches.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved attending his children and grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events. He was kind to many and never met a stranger. Jim will be so lovingly remembered and missed by his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janice Cottrell, of Sullivan; his three children: Rebecca Callahan and husband LeRoy of Sullivan, Ronald Cottrell and wife Andrea of Eureka, and Dale Cottrell and wife Alyssa of Sullivan; eleven grandchildren: Amanda Braun and husband Darrel of Union, Samantha Dishman and husband Kenny of Sullivan, Nick Callahan of Leasburg, Beau Kick of Sullivan, Kayla Anderson and husband Jeremey of Sullivan, Amanda Tod and husband Jordan of Sullivan, Lucas Cottrell and wife Teagan of North Carolina, Austin Frye of Sullivan, Hayden, Haley, and Jackson Cottrell, all of Eureka; six great-grandchildren: Adaline, Finnley, Harper, Erin, Henry, and Aiden; one brother, Doug Cottrell and special friend, Jennifer Bayless, of Steelville; two sisters, Cleta Martin of Sullivan and Rhonda Farris and husband Bill of Sullivan; nieces and nephews, other extended relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Marvel Dishman; his parents, Vencil and Alline Cottrell; one sister, Karen Wynn; and one brother-in-law, Buck Martin.

Services were held 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at First Assembly of God Church in Sullivan with Pastors Sean Adams and Leroy Wiese officiating. Interment will follow in Steelville Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 4:30 – 8 p.m., Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Online condolences may be shared with Jim’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.