Zachary Dale Cottongim, 29

Zachary Dale Cottongim, 29, passed away suddenly on December 18, 2021, while selflessly performing his duties as a Louisville Metro Police Officer.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Patsy and Johnny Shillito, and Betty and Wayne Maggard; and mother-in-law, Kellie McKenzie.

Zach graduated from Edmonson County High School, and went on to receive his degree in Criminal Justice from Daymar College.  He was a seven year veteran of the Louisville Metro Police Department, and was assigned to the 1st Division.  His dad, Dale, is also an LMPD officer, and Zach was so proud to have followed in his dad's footsteps in becoming an officer, fulfilling his dream.  Zach also proudly served as a PTO (Probationary Training Officer), and aspired to someday work as an LMPD traffic officer.  He loved the teamwork within 1st Division, its command staff, and his patrols with his best friend, Shaun Sargent.  He was a “tech nerd”, enjoyed fishing, and loved playing with his sons.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Jamie; sons, Riley and Alexander; father, Dale Cottongim; mother, Pamela Perkins; step-mother, Natalie; step-father, Laymon Hodges; father-in-law, Timmy Decker; brothers, Kase Cottongim and Kyton Smith; sisters, Erica Ellis (Jordan), Jessica Jones (Chad), and Ashley McFelia; nephews, Oaklee Ellis and Carson McFelia; and nieces, Remi Ellis and Arieal McFelia.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Southeast Christian Church – Blankenbaker Campus, 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy, followed by interment in Cave Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be 12-8pm on Tuesday, December 21, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Louisville Metro Police Foundation at www.saferlouisville.org.