James F. Cotter
July 5, 1929 - January 8, 2022
Newburgh, NY


Dr. James Finn Cotter, a devoted family man, professor, scholar, poet, and author, passed away January 8, 2022, after a heart attack at home. He lived a full life in his 92 years, sharing his love of life, knowledge, and wisdom with everyone he was with, his family, students, and friends.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Emily Kerrick Cotter. He is survived by his daughter, Anne; sons Jim (and wife Hyon Joo) and John; two grandsons Dante and Mateo; three sisters Mary, Marguerite, and Kathy (and husband Joe); along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Jim was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 5, 1929, to James and Catherine (Finn) Cotter, who immigrated from County Cork Ireland. He attended Boston College High School and Holy Cross College and entered the Jesuits in 1948, studying classics and philosophy at Weston College (B.A. in 1954, M.A. in 1955); English at Fordham University (M.A. in 1958); and theology at the University of Louvain in Belgium. After leaving the Jesuits in early 1960, he returned to Fordham to complete a doctorate in English in 1963. He and Emily met at Fordham, were married in 1960, and movedto Newburgh in 1963 when Jim became an English professorat Mount Saint Mary College. They raised their family in Newburgh, overlooking the Hudson River, and also traveled the world together. Jim retired from the Mount in 2020 after 57 years and was honored with professor emeritus status in recognition of his dedication and outstanding service.During his 58 years in Newburgh, he volunteered at the Newburgh Free Library; assisted as a Eucharistic minister for St. Mary's and St. Patrick's; and wrote reviews of local plays and concerts for the Times Herald-Record. He remained a Boston and Red Sox fan his entire life.
In his own words, Jim "welcomed the light of knowledge and searched for the height of truth." As a father and friend, he instilled a love of nature, art, education, and spirituality, finding inspiration hiking, contemplating paintings, and delving into literature. He shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for literature with thousands of students.He was a prolific poet and the author of many publications, includingInscape: The Christology and Poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins;a celebrated translation of Dante'sDivine Comedy; andA New Life: Learning the Way of Omega.He was also awarded a Fulbright-Hays overseas grant; a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities grant; and thepresident of the International Hopkins Society.
A memorial visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Avenue, Newburgh, on Friday, January 14thfrom 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with words of remembrance starting at 6 p.m. A private funeral mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, January 15th, which will be live-streamed. In the spring there will be a larger celebration open to all at Mount Saint Mary College.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.
To join the live-stream on Saturday, January 15 starting at 9:45 am:
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