Mel Cotton, owner of the San Jose sporting goods store bearing his name, has passed away at the age of 91. He founded Mel Cotton's Sporting Goods forty years ago.
Cotton opened his business on Race and San Carlos Streets in 1955, first selling surplus military tents and equipment. His business grew to include gear for outdoors enthusiasts. Specialties include skiing and snowboard, camping and backpacking, fishing and hunting, and canoeing and kayaking. His son, Stanley Cotton, took over the business more than 20 years ago.
