James Bottorf

James E. Bottorf died peacefully on February 24, 2016, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton. He was 77. Born on February 14, 1939 in Lock Haven, PA, he was the son of the late Mervyn S. and Elizabeth Simcox Bottorf. Jim served our country in the United States Navy for four years and then in the U.S. Navy Reserves for two years as an Electronic Technician. He graduated from Colorado State University with a B.A. with distinction in Political Science and from the University of Oregon with a M.S., A.B.D. in Political Science. He was also a Certified Volunteer Administrator, professional credential through AVA. Jim married his wife, Judy, on August 13, 1988 in Prescott, AZ, and they resided in Mesa, AZ, for 19 years, before moving to Easton, MD in 2006. He previously was employed as a college professor and most recently was employed as an executive in a non-profit organization. Jim and his wife, Judy, were truly heart to heart, almost always together in their volunteer work in the community. He lived by John Wesley’s philosophy: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” He was known for his volunteerism in the community. Jim was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton. He served as a volunteer as a Docent at the Historical Society of Talbot County Museum; CERT Coordinator Talbot County Dept. of Emergency Services; Risk Management Volunteer Consultant at Talbot County Free Library; Volunteer Usher at The Avalon Theatre; English as Second Language teacher for Chesapeake College; United Methodist Men; Democratic Forum of Talbot County; CROP Hunger Walk Local Chairperson. He received numerous awards for his volunteer service, most notably the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award (2013—Obama Administration). Jim brought joy wherever he went, and was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved family and was very proud of them. He is survived by his wife, Judy Bottorf; daughter, Andrea (Mike King) of Delaware; son, Ross (Tami Bottorf) of Arizona; stepdaughters Heidi (Ken Moon) of Maryland and Wendy Jo (Derek Lane) of Oregon; siblings, Lee Bottorf and Connie Gallardo, both of Colorado; and six grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Vaughn Bottorf. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 100 Peachblossom Rd., in Easton. Family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the church’s fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church World Service or UMCOR.

James Bottorf

February 14, 1939 - February 24, 2016