J.G. Cothern

Published 9:00 am Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Captain J.G. Cothern (USN Retired) passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024 at the age of 82. Jimmie (Jim) Glenn Cothern was born on September 2, 1942, in Brookhaven, Mississippi to the late Virginia Russell Toomer. At the age of 17, Jimmie enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and served for eight years, including two tours of duty in Da Nang during the Vietnam conflict. After active duty with the Marine Corps, he served as a reservist while attending Hines Jr. College. Upon graduation and receiving his Registered Nurse degree, Jimmie was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. While serving in the Navy, he attended George Washington University where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Later he attended Webster University and was awarded a Master’s Degree. In 1999, Captain Jimmie Glenn Cothern retired from active military duty with full military honors from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he was the Director of Health Services. In total he served his country honorably and proudly for 39 years having held 12 different enlisted and officer ranks in the two military branches. During his tenure with the military, he received numerous awards and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and multiple Vietnam Campaign Awards.

After retirement, Jimmie and his wife Mary Lee returned to Baton Rouge for many years but eventually moved to Athens where they enjoyed a simple life in the hills of Texas where they made many friends. Recently, Jimmie and Mary Lee moved back to Baton Rouge to be closer to their family.

Jimmie Glenn is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Mary Lee Berryhill Cothern, one daughter, Kristi Cothern Murtagh and her husband Albin, and grandson James Mason Murtagh. Other surviving family members include his sister Laura Toomer Marshall, brother Jeff Toomer, uncle Ronald J. Toomer Sr., brother-in-law Thomas Berryhill, as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his mother Virginia and brothers Greg Toomer and Wayne Davis.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Burial with military honors to follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jimmie Glenn Cothern’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Shriners Children’s Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project or the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS).