James LeRoy Cotterman

James LeRoy Cotterman, 84, longtime Seminole resident, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. James was born October 9, 1933 in Clarion, Pennsylvania to his parents Harold Cotterman and Ethel Lucille (Miller) Cotterman. James was retired from the United States Army where he attained the rank of First Sergeant. He entered the service on March 27, 1952 and retired on February 28, 1974. He served 3 combat tours, one in the Korean Conflict, from 1952 to 1953 and two tours of duty during the Vietnam War, from 1966 to 1967 and again in 1969 to 1970. He was awarded the Bronze Star on 3 occasions, once with a V- device for heroism. He also received 2 Purple Hearts. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, twice, along with several Korean and Vietnam service medals. After retiring from the U. S. Army, James became self-employed at the Eagle Bit Service Company in Seminole, Oklahoma, in the Seminole area oilfields and his fishing tackle business, Jim’s Tackle Shop. James loved hunting and fishing, watching cartoons and gardening. He married Shirley (Cook) Cotterman on October 2, 1995 in Texas. James is survived by his wife, Shirley Cotterman of the home, two sons; James Cotterman, Jr. and his wife Diane of Fullerton, California and Russell Cotterman of Seminole, Oklahoma, his daughter; Kathleen Cotterman of Panama City, Florida; his step-daughter, Kim Cotterman of Jenks, Oklahoma, three brothers; Charles Cotterman of Wewoka, Oklahoma, George Cotterman of Fort Wayne Indiana and Jon Cotterman of Maud, Oklahoma; three sisters : Linda O’Connell of Tampa, Florida, Vickie Cotterman of Oil City, Pennsylvania and Karen Bechtold of Manitou Springs, Colorado, six grandchildren; Samantha Cotterman, James Cotterman III, Justin Cotterman, Stewart Cotterman, Jacob Cotterman and Cleveland Seale and one great grandchild; Hailey Rose Cotterman and a host of nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 38 years and mother of his children; Betty (Braley) Cotterman, and three brothers; Roger Cotterman, Don Cotterman and Francis Cotterman. Graveside memorial and military services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, east of Seminole on Highway # 270. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.    Funeral Information: May 10, 2018, 1:00 PM Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, East of Seminole, Oklahoma on Highway # 270 located at Seminole, Seminole, OK 74868