James H. Cottrell, 61, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Friday, May 22.
He was born in Dorchester, Dorset, England, May 9, 1954, son of the late Gordon and Jean (Hunt) Cottrell. He was educated in England, was a merchant marine for several years and, as a result, was a worldly traveler. After serving as a guard at Brixton Prison, London, Cottrell moved to the states in 1983 and became a citizen in 1986. He excelled at car sales and management for more than 30 years. He was a gentle, compassionate, hardworking, selfless man that always put his family first. He had a charismatic personality and was renowned for his unique sense of humor.
Cottrell is survived by his wife of 30 years Kathryn (Fisher) Cottrell, son Matthew Cottrell and daughter Sarah Cottrell, all of Haverhill; sisters Linda Lewis and Allison Butler of England; sister-in-law Sandy Gerraughty and her husband Tim of Georgetown; brother-in-law Bill Fisher of Haverhill; sister-in-law Elinor Fisher of Peabody; dear friend Mary Lou McGonigle of Manchester, N.H.; and his two dogs, Spanky and Vegas.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St. Haverhill. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. BOX 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.