James "Jim" Pierce Bottom, 73, of Horton, Kansas, passed away at his home on March 14, 2017, surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on September 1, 1943 on Dry Creek Road in Casey County, Kentucky, the son of Edward P. and Virgie Wethington Bottom. Jim joined the Air Force in November of 1960 at the age of 17.

He served in Greenland during the Vietnam War followed by two years as a Reservist, earning his honorable discharge in November of 1966. His past employment includes JC Penney Automotive, Goodyear Tires, and Whiting Cheese Plant, where he was manager. He most recently served as Line Superintendent at Brown-Atchison REA, retiring after 35 years. He was a member of the American Legion, Horton Lions Club, Lakeview Country Club and St. Leo's Catholic Church.

In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, cars, shooting guns, dabbling in pyrotechnics, morning coffee with his friends, smooth whiskey and a good cigar.

Jim married Donna K. Schuetz on May 8, 1965 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, Kansas, and together they raised 3 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Travis Bottom and three sisters, Claudie Murphy, Nathleen Wethington and Edna Soares. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Donna of the home; two daughters, Jennifer Bottom of Horton, Kansas and Janette (Justin) Jaekley of Olathe, Kansas; one son, Jamie (Michelle) Bottom of Horton, Kansas; four grandchildren, Cole, Ally and Carly Bottom of Horton, Kansas and Jackson Jaekley of Olathe, Kansas; as well as one sister, Deanie Anderson of Louisville, Kentucky.

A Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. on Fridayevening with visitation to follow until 8:00 P.M. at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church in Horton, with burial and military graveside rites to follow at the Saint Peter's Cemetery in Mercier, Kansas.

Memorial contributions can be made to NEK Hospice/Home Health or St. Jude's Children's Hospital and may be sent in care of the mortuary, 909 Central Ave., Horton, Ks. 66439. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com