Timothy John Cotter Jr.

Timothy John Cotter Jr., age 68, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia while hiking with his daughter — doing what he loved most, surrounded by the beauty of nature. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Pastor Brad Brown will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Tim was born on December 4, 1956, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Timothy John and Rose Ann (Boc) Cotter. He was married to the love of his life, Lisa Clem, for more than thirty years. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his son, Timothy John Cotter III; and his daughters, Cameron Rose Cotter and Tristen Sue Cotter; his stepson, Kyle Eugene Hamilton; his brothers, Patrick Cotter (Dee) and Mark Cotter (Rhonda); his sister, Kathleen Cotter; his mother-in-law, Joanna Sue Clem; and was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy John and Rose Ann Cotter, his sister, Nadine Cotter, and his father-in-law, Dr. Samuel Clem. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Dr. Greg Clem (Leslie) and Scott Clem (Stephanie); his sisters-in-law, Jackie Green and Karla Coleman (Mark); his nephews, Craig Cotter (Grace), Corey Cotter, Justin “JT” Cotter (Chelsea), Patrick Green (Katy), Jordan Coleman, and McGwire Clem; his nieces, Allison Green (Chris Kazacos), Jenna Wilson (Andrew), Kaitlyn Coleman, Dr. Morgan Clem (Dr. Amit Singh), Dr. Kiana Chirayil (Kishore), Madison Barger (Brett), and Kendall Sears (Conner); his great-nephews, Hunter, Colton, and Jackson Cotter, Charles Wilson, Samuel Wilson, and Arthur Sears; and his step-niece, Skye Rowell. Tim was an alumnus of Purdue University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree — the foundation of a long and distinguished forty-seven-year career in the printing industry. Throughout that career, he earned the respect and admiration of everyone who worked with him. His knowledge and experience ran deep, yet he carried them with humility and kindness. As a leader, he inspired confidence through his patience, fairness, and steady optimism. To his team, he was far more than a director — he was a mentor, a guide, and, to many, a father figure. Tim had a gift for seeing the best in people and helping them realize their potential. Even in challenging moments, he remained calm and solution-oriented, bringing perspective and encouragement when it was needed most. His quiet strength, steady smile, and ability to find light in any situation made him a true beacon of joy to those around him. His leadership, integrity, and compassion continue to shape the workplace he helped build and the many lives he touched along the way. Beyond his professional life, Tim was an adventurer and lifelong learner who found deep peace in both nature and history. He loved the outdoors — the freedom of the mountains, the thrill of the slopes, and the stillness of a quiet trail. Of all the places he explored, none meant more to him than Jenny Lake, where he once stood surrounded by water and peaks and said, “I am home.” His passion for history was just as vivid. He didn’t just read about the past — he sought it out, visiting historic sites, walking the trails once traveled by others, and immersing himself in the stories that shaped the world. He especially admired George Washington, whom he called his hero, and lived his life with that same sense of courage, integrity, and quiet strength. Above all, Tim was a devoted husband, father, and friend who found his greatest happiness in time spent with those he loved. He filled their lives with laughter, adventure, and a sense of belonging that will never fade. His love for animals reflected his gentle nature, and the companionship of his dogs and “grand pups” brought him peace and joy. Selfless and unwavering, Tim gave his heart freely to others — loving without condition, giving without hesitation, and finding meaning in the simple grace of caring for those he held dearest. Though he is no longer by their side, Tim’s spirit will continue to guide his family through life’s mountains and valleys, just as he always has. His love — constant, steady, and enduring — will be their compass on every new trail and in every quiet moment of peace, reminding them that he is forever with them. Memorials in his honor may be made to National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW, Washington D.C. 20240. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Timothy John Cotter Jr.

December 4, 1956 - October 19, 2025