Isaac H. Cota July 4, 1929 - September 18, 2014 Isaac H. Cota was born on July 4th, 1929 in North Hollywood. The first son of Rev. Epifanio Moraga Cota and Guadalupe Hernández Cota. He entered into eternal rest on September 18, 2014 at Tulare Regional Hospital surrounded by his beloved family. He was 85 years of age. Bishop Cota grew up in Tulare. He attended Lincoln Grammar School and Tulare Union High School where he played trombone in the TUHS marching band. Two decades later, while completing a term as General Treasurer for the Apostolic Assembly he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Fresno in 1974. He commuted from Tulare to Los Angeles weekly for many years. This remarkable multi-tasking achievement set a high bar for younger generations who always found an encouraging role model in Bishop Cota. He enjoyed sports and followed the career of his two sons who played College and professional baseball. Later he followed his grandchildren who also played sports. He enjoyed being around them. He also served in the United States Army. He answered his nation's call to military service in January 14, 1951, (Perhaps he had no choice in the matter. After all, he was a Yankee Doodle Baby, born on the Fourth of July.) He was patriotic and loved his Country. Isaac played trombone in the military marching band while serving in Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. While in the service he married his grammar school sweetheart, Lydia Chabiel, With whom he was married 62 years. After honorably serving in San Antonio his ministerial trajectory began. He was mentored with Apostolic Assembly patriarch Antonio C. Nava. Woodlake, CA is where he began his pastorate at the age of 29. He assumed the Tulare Pastorate upon the death of his father in 1962. The pastoral vision also encompassed the many needs of the community whom he served for a decade and a half in the Tulare County working for the department of Social Services. As a social worker he was living out the ethos he had witnessed in his own home as a youngster, when his parents arranged support for two newly widowed families, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. This solidarity marked the Apostolic way of life. Other community leadership included frequent invocations at prayer breakfasts and Memorial Day celebrations. He also served on the Tulare Youth Service Bureau. Bishop Cota was invited to Washington DC for the 9th Annual National Prayer Breakfast, and met with Vice President George H.W. Bush along with 10 other clergy that formed a Christian Coalition. He also accepted an invitation to attend the 1989 Presidential Inauguration. Later in 1991 he went to the Holy Land with a group of Clergy. He had the opportunity to meet General Ariel Sharon, who gave them a private tour, and asked Bishop Cota to pray for him that day, in return, Bishop Cota asked Sharon for prayer as well. Later Ariel Sharon became Prime Minister of Israel. Bishop Cota will always be remembered for his compassion and generosity. He was a people person with a servant's heart. He lived life setting the bar for others to love their neighbors as themselves. We will his smile and strive to continue the great legacy he has left us. Bishop Cota is survived by his loving wife Lydia, daughters Laura and Arlene, sons Ike (Terry), Steve (Lydia) and Tim (Deena) and seven grandchildren: LeAnn, Michael, Jared, Kristen, Matthew, Kayla and Aimee. Viewing Service will be Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Tulare Apostolic Assembly Church, 540 W. Kern Ave, Tulare, CA 93274. Celebration of Life Services will be Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 6:30 pm at the Visalia Convention Center - Exhibit Hall, 303 E. Acequia Ave, Visalia, CA 93291. Funeral Service will be Friday, October 3, 2014 at 10:00 am at Living Christ Church, 2516 N. 'M' St. Tulare, CA, 93274. Interment will be at Tulare District Cemetery.

Published in Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Adv-Register on Sept. 30, 2014