Obituary of James Lawrence Bottemiller

James Bottemiller was born James Lawrence Mix on August 5, 1944 to Myrtle and John Mix, Sr in Portland, Oregon. At the age of five, he was adopted by Verna & Lloyd Bottemiller and brought into Canada. He lived in Dawson Creek until the age of 14. Jim decided to run away from home at the age of 14, and was hitchhiking towards Chetwynd when he was picked up by Albert and Edward Hauber, who became lifelong friends. Jim hung around Chetwynd and was fostered by Mamie and Otto Wick where he lived while attending school and going to work. Jim was a free spirit and loved to hang out with friends and family. Joe Botts loved big cars and could be found often cleaning and polishing his current one. His favorites included Ford Galaxy 500 convertibles (he had 3) Lincoln Town Cars and Cadillac's. O f course everyone knew that Jim liked tinkering with cars. Jim had many adventures over the years which often included gathering over a beer or a shot of whiskey. In 1976, Jim met June Smathers and they were married in 1977. Their daughter Shelley was born and their son, Lloyd arrived. Jim provided for his family by running equipment, welding and driving truck. Jim had his own welding truck for a number of years. On January 5, 1991, Jim hit a grader on Wabi Hill and was sent to St. Paul's Hospital where he remained in a medically induced coma while his injuries healed. After learning how to walk again, with crutches- Jim returned home to complete his long recovery. Jim, June and the children moved to Hudson's Hope. After purchasing property on the Jackfish Lake Road, they returned to Chetwynd. In 1996, he watched his daughter Shelley graduate and traveled to Colorado to meet his birth mother and siblings for the first time since he was five. In 1998, Lloyd started a family and James Bottemiller, the first of seven grandchildren, followed by Jada was born. In 2001, Shelley had a daughter, Isabelle followed by Slade and Jessica. Abby was born in 2013 and Lucas was born in 2014. Jim's children and grandchildren were the light of his life. Jim spent the last few years living with his daughter, Shelley and her children taking them to school and their extracurricular activities. Jim passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 in Chetwynd at the age of 70 years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Jim is survived by Children; Shelley, Lloyd, Grandchildren; James, Isabelle, Jada, Slade, Jessica, Abby, Lucas, Brother; John Mix, and Sister; Midge Rauch. Jim was predeceased by Father; John Mix Sr., Mother; Myrtle McBroom, Brother; Joe Mix, and Sister; Jackie Timberman. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium