Bless to Blessed: Jamal Cotton’s Homage

Jamal Antonio Cotton, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 29th, 1986 to his mother, Catherine “Cat” Cotton; father, Ronald D. Beatty and big brother, James ”Tuane” Cotton. Anyone who knew Jamal, knew how much he absolutely loved and honored his parents; and revered his older brother.

From birth, Cat’s baby boy, Jamal, kept up a lot of noise. Whether he was crying, laughing, talking, playing or just walking through the house, one thing’s for sure, you heard him. Jamal was Black Boy Joy personified. Free Spirited. Exuberant. Full of Life. A big radiant smile and a heart so full of love which he shared generously with everyone he met.

As a toddler, Jamal always looked up to his big brother James “Tuane” Cotton –ten years his senior. His very own role model. If Tuane had his own box of cereal, then Jamal would have his. (Captain Crunch for Tuane and Cinnamon Toast Crunch for Jamal.) Tuane was the epitome of “his brother’s keeper”. From Tuane, Jamal learned the foundation of brotherhood and the importance and impact of setting a good example. Little did Jamal know that while he was looking up to his big brother for inspiration and guidance, he was the fuel to the fire that enabled his big brother, Tuane, to attain success in his personal and professional endeavors. An amazing full circle bond steeped in love and mutual inspiration and influence.

To know Jamal, was to know how integral family was to him. Just ask Ciara, who was more like a sister than a cousin. Growing up, Ciara and Jamal were inseparable. Two peas in a pod.

Jamal attended Cleveland Heights High School where he was a member of the varsity Basketball team. After graduating high school, Jamal traveled to Buffalo, NY where he attended SUNY Erie Community College and played on the SUNY Kats Basketball team.  In 2006, Jamal earned his Associates of Science in Business.

Jamal always wanted to be a father. His first born Kynade Cotton, officially welcomed him into the fold of being a “girl dad”. And then the birth of Kaysen Cotton, his son, supercharging his sense of pride a thousandfold. Making sure they shared special moments with their cousins. Knowing that they too have something to offer to the world. That was the example and expectation Jamal set as a father.

Jamal was determined to build a future to take care of his children and his mom. And that’s just what he did. Jamal shared a love of the road like his father. Following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his Uncle Howard Ridgeway, Jamal earned his CDL in 2017, becoming a licensed truck driver and subsequently forming his own company, J. Cotton LLC. He then hit the road, hauling loads all across the United States.  Through hard work, focus and dedication, J. Cotton LLC  thrived and was so successful that not only was he able to purchase his own truck, elevating him from driver to owner operator; but in 2021 Jamal became a property owner (for the second time) purchasing a home which he was then able to give to his mother.

In 2018, a mutual friend would introduce Jamal, to someone who could appreciate his sense of humor and goofy sensibilities; and cherish the blessing of his chivalrous and family centered ways. A person that would end up being his Soul Mate and Betrothed, Imari Rivera. They hit it off immediately, and it wasn’t long before Imari was telling friends that Jamal was “the one”. They enjoyed traveling to places like Canada and Mexico; eating good food; zip-lining and scuba diving. Building their relationship on a solid foundation for their growing blended family which now included Imari’s son Antonio and daughter, Isabel. They were “locked in” . . . Friendship. Love. Family.

A brother’s brother. Jamal was a beloved member of the special brotherhood “Different Breed”. A group of men divinely called together through common backgrounds, and shared experiences. Over 25 years of friendship and brotherhood committed to making each other better. Witnessing and going through this thing called life, together.  Iron sharpening iron. Each brother, with an endearing nickname carrying a special meaning to the group’s members. Jamal lovingly went by “Cotty Mac.” Different Breed enjoyed playing basketball together; telling jokes; sharing the dreams and aspirations for their families and careers; and of course, brotherly libations. Cotty Mac would often say his favorite word, “homage”.

Jamal made his transition on August 11th, 2024, at the age of 38. A man of his word and loved in so many communities and places around the world, Jamal was known to help a stranger without hesitation. Which explains his final act of benevolence and compassion –being an organ donor, literally giving of himself to help a person in need. Jamal’s presence illuminated every room he was in. He will forever be remembered as a Vessel of Light, used by God to spread love and light to everyone he met.

“Long Live Cotty Mac”! Long Live the legacy of love, light and joy of Jamal Antonio Cotton! Homage! Blessed!

Jamal is survived by his mother Catherine “Cat” Cotton; father Ronald D. Beatty; Daughter: Kynade Cotton; and Son: Kaysen Cotton; Brothers: James “Tuane” Cotton, Brian D. Beatty and Darnell Crockett; Sisters: Tameka B. Lyons and Crystal Kirkland; His Betrothed: Imari Rivera; and Bonus Children: Antonio and Isabel. Aunties: Lee, Taby, Fran, and Shirley; Uncle: Howard Ridgeway; Cousins: Poo, Shamika, Punkin, Nate, Brian, Marques, Tasha, Nancy, Ciara, Elijah, Jazmin, Jermain, Jermil, Jakia, Jamayne; Nieces: Kierra, Veronica, Vallory, Vannah and Nephew: Vaughn; Sister-in-Law, Hannah Snyder-Cotton; “Different Breed” brothers: Jason (JTom), Darren (Jones), Renard (Shank) Jeremy (Heavy), Jeremy (Jroc), Johnny (lil John), Alaric (Al), Malcolm (Ez), Derrick (D.Money), Marc (Ras), Robert, Jose, George (BG), Steve, Victor and Donte; and many more who knew and loved him…