James A. Cotten Memorial Scholarship

About James A. Cotten

James Cotten served on the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee of EdiFi Credit Union for two decades. Through his genuine commitment to service and efforts to improve the lives of others, Mr. Cotten embodied the values of our credit union and the entire industry. 

Outside the credit union, Mr. Cotten had a long, distinguished career serving our country. In 1945, he was appointed to the elite Tuskegee Airmen, known as the "Red Tails." Later, in 1949, he was assigned to the 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, as the Air Operations NCO—the first African American to be assigned to this organization.

One of the core principles he embraced while serving our nation is a truth that the EdiFi volunteers and Staff strive to uphold: “Every day is another day to excel!”

He was recognized by our proud nation and received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in May 2012.

"Every day is another day to excel!"
_{- James A. Cotten}