John Michael Cotten, age 43, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 27th at his home in Chicago, Illinois. Michael was born on December 20, 1974 in Decatur, Alabama to John R. Cotten and Donna J. Phillips Cotten.
He is survived by his mother and father, and sister, Amy D. Cotten, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Michael graduated from Athens High School. While in high school and college, Michael worked as a counselor at the Methodist Church’s Camp Sumatanga in Attalla, Alabama. Michael was a graduate of Birmingham Southern University, in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Michael lived and worked in Huntsville, Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, Atlanta, Georgia, New Orleans, Louisiana, Mishawaka, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois, where he made lifetime friendships. He worked for Whole Foods for many years. Presently, he was employed by Local Foods in Chicago as a buyer.
Michael was a wonderful man who touched many lives. He enjoyed music, movies and people. A memorial service was held in Chicago, Illinois, on August 31, 2018. Michael will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Athens, Alabama on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. with visitation at the church from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Grand Bay, Alabama at a later date. Donations in Michael’s name may be made to the Southern Foodways Alliance, First United Methodist Church of Athens or the Methodist Church’s Camp Sumatanga.
