Jim Cottengim

Jim was educated in Springfield, Missouri 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.