John Cotten

cotten.john@gmail.com

Wish I knew this was here before now. Thank you Jill for getting to this sight. I went to UCLA for a couple of years (ACC) then moved to Morehead State, changed majors from communications to Industrial Ed. Took a BUS after having had a chance to teach HS kids on an emergency certificate at Rowan Co. HS.

Stayed in Morehead for almost 19 years including college. I started at a small Lumber and Pallet brokerage firm, worked there for 8-1/2 years till we were bought on by a Canadian firm. Went to H&S Forest Products in Columbus OH and was a regional MGR for them out of Morehead. Burnout on the brokerage work after 10 years and left the company.

Shortly after became State Director for Value Added Wood Products for the Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture where I was there for 7-1/2s. Was a fantastic job helping companies and individuals, developing international trade and domestic marketing programs for KY wood product companies. Went to Cuba on a trade mission where I negociated a 1.4 million trade agreement. Got to meet Pres. Castro (it was cool) Also for worked with Clintons staff on the Farm Bill as a reviewer/commentator for the forestry secton. Working for Commissioner Billy Ray Smith as awesome. After Commissioner Farmer became commissioner of Agriculture, I lost my position with the state.
After 8 years, had to close my cabinet business due to health issues. Have been in the renewable energy and energy management business for the past 4 years.

Remember the great walk out from 1978 because the school board wouldn't honor our request for spring break after the winter of 78 when we were out of school for weeks! Wish I could remember who I skipped with, we went to Dairy Cheer for Milk Shakes then to my house to play pool in the basement.

Remember Don Moser finding out you have to have at least 2 of the 4 wheels on the ground when he tried to go over the snow mountian in the parking lot and got his Jeep stuck on top. I seem to remember it stayed there for about a week.

Going out drinking on our choir trip to Atlanta. I had way too much and was seriously ill the next day. Vaguely remember several members of the choir singing "Big Shot" over the PA on the bus on the way back. Thank you Choir!

Does anyone else remember the large black PVC bubble room we built in multi-media class for Mrs. Jackson between building 1&2 in 78.

Was in the hospital. No celebration, life is what it is. What surprises me most is being disappointed on where I am in life at this point.

Unless I have blessed with a miracle, doubt I will be able to retire.

NO grandkids, or prospects yet. Neither of my sons are in a relationship at the moment.

Many Many years.

Pat Parks if she was still with us. Just talk about life.

Ms. Jayne's English lit class. She failed me the first time I took it for being a poor writer and not giving it my all. Aced it my second time. She inspired me to work hard and that I had a head that was worth using.

Down jackets, flannel, jeans, and hiking boots. Never was comfortable in preppie during the early 80's. NO punk ever! Thank God leasure suits are gone!!!

Young Historians, Key Club, ??

Wow, tough question, Virginia Jane, Pat Parks (she rocked) Ron Traybrandt, Mr. Haney, Mr. Fraley, Doug Rigsby

A 1977 Nova Concor 4 door. White with a dark red vinyl top and valure seats

Honestly, I didn't have a clue.

My second senior year at Morehead State University at the Wesley Foundation. Actually at a football game, she was standing behind me, one of the running backs broke line going down field and she was beating the daylights out of my shoulders yelling at the running back to "go, go, go!"

I turned around to find out who was beating my shoulders with her fists, and saw this really cute black haired girl and the rest is history. We will be married 23 years this Auguast 15th.

Rarely. Maybe once every couple of years

Too many to remember

Too many to try to label it. All depends on the day.

Mexico City, MX

Most interesting Havanna, Cuba
Yes I met Presidant Castro, sat across from him for over an hour in trade negociations

Would go back to Cuba in a heart beat. Loved it.

There have been dozensl, I worked concert setup and security crew at MSU for 5 years.

John Denver 1977, Huntington WV
ELO 1978, Lexington, KY
Doobie Brothers 1978 Huntington WV
Billy Joel 1978 or 79 Huntington WV
Alabama,several times at MSU
Madonna MSU
Billy Idol
Jefferson Starship (Grace Slick was REALLY nice)
Quarter Flash
Kenny Loggins (Super nice guy and alot of fun to party with)
Charlie Daniels Band
Tower of Power at Centre College 3 weeks ago AWESOME!!!

Morehead, KY

I have met and had dinner with President Fidel Castro Rus of Cuba, and Chicho Valdez (jazz pianist) the Latin Grammy winner in Havanna Cuba.

I have also turned presentation bowls for 3 governors, 1 US president, two congressman, two US senators, and several dignitaries over the years.

Don't have one yet, I'm not planning to die yet so why worry about it. My goal is to live every day to the fullest and pray that more awesome opportunities continue to present themselves for me.

John Prine "Please Don't Bury Me"
Chris Botti's "Ave Maria" played by Michael Cotten
"Winters Night" Gordon Lightfoot
"His Eye is on the Sparrow" Amy Grant
"Moondance" Chris Botti
"The Look of Love" Diana Krall
"This Old House" Brian Setzer Orchestra
"Jump Jive and Wail" Brian Setzer Orchestra
"Sing Sing Sing" Brian Setzer Orchestra
"Straight Up" Brian Setzer Orchestra

Something my son Michael we have composed by then.

I want folks to remember the music I liked, and to have a good time.
Have to give them some more thought.

I know this: When everyone one is leaving I want some great swing Jazz to be played to celebrate my life and the life of my friends and family. I've had some great times and want that to be what everyone remembers. Sing, Sing, Sing Brian Setzer Orchestra, Trumpeters Holiday, Straight UP Brian Setzer Orchestra Have to give this one some more thought