James Guy "jimmy Guy" Cottengim (08 Jun 1947 - 11 Jun 2009) Obituary

James Guy "jimmy Guy" Cottengim (08 Jun 1947 - 11 Jun 2009) attended Hillcrest High School in Springfield, MO. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about James Guy "jimmy Guy" Cottengim (08 Jun 1947 - 11 Jun 2009).

Graduation Year	Class of 1965
Date of Passing	Jun 11, 2009
About	James Guy "Jimmy Guy" Cottengim, well-known, popular songwriter and entertainer, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, of natural causes, at home in Springfield, on June 11. Jim was born June 8, 1947, in Riverside, California, to James Vernon and Wilma Moody Cottengim. The family moved to Springfield, Missouri, and Jim was educated in Springfield Public Schools, graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1964. Jimmy Guy and his sister, Carrie Sue, exhibited a great interest in music and began entertaining family members at a very young age. He stepped up his musical pursuits in high school, forming such popular 1960s Springfield groups as the Essex Four and The Raiders. After high school, he began his professional music career playing night clubs across the Midwest and South, often touring with his young family. When his sons began school, the family returned to Springfield and Jimmy Guy became a popular personality in the Springfield night club scene. Jimmy Guy began his songwriting career in the 1970s, dividing his time between Springfield and Nashville, Tenn. Artists who have recorded his songs include Jeannie Bryant, Vicky Self, The Unknown Band, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Jim released one solo album, several singles and was a principal in The Unknown Band. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his two sons, Jody and Stoney, who along with their dad comprised his all-time favorite group, The Cottengim Band. Jody, wife Sandy, grandson Isaiah, and granddaughters, Kaylah and Baylee, reside in Marshfield. Grandson Seth Sosebee resides in California. Stoney, wife Jennifer, grandson Colin Newman, and granddaughter Hannah, reside in Springfield, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister, Carrie Sue Barnes, her husband, Ted of Springfield, and their sons, Tony and Tim. A memorial service celebrating Jimmy Guy's life will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home North on Monday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. A musical celebration in honor of Jim's life is being planned and will be announced soon. [Spfd News Leader dated: June 14, 2009] Note: Although his obituary states he was a '64 graduate, the HHS Commencement brochure lists him as a graduate of 1965.