JAMES FRANKLIN COTTON, age 55, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015. He was a lifetime area resident and was a veteran of the US Army. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and arts and crafts. James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Pamela (nee Rosenbaum); daughter, Brandy Cotton of Gary; mother, Ruth Cotton; 4 grandchildren, Justice, Jayden, Gabriel, and Maleigha; 1 brother, Tom (Karna) Cotton of Chesterton; 3 sisters, Leoma Daniels of North Charleston, SC, Marcella Kitchen of Lake Station, Patricia (Gene) Joseph of Gary; brothers-in-law, Fred Leyba of CA, Doug (Paula) Rosenbaum of Olin, IA, Jeff (Leanna) Rosenbaum of Valparaiso; numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his father, Merida Franklin Cotton; sister, Francis Leyba; and mother and father- in-law, Dean and Gail; Rosenbaum.

Visitation will be Friday, April 17, 2015 at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12 Noon with Minister Lowell Mullins officiating . Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Please call (219) 762-3013 or go online to extend condolences at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.