James Mark Bothwell

James “Jim” Mark Bothwell, 55 years of age, was welcomed into heaven on March 11, 2026. A man of strength, intellect, and work ethic, Jim leaves a legacy of devotion to his family, determination, and a love of the outdoors.

Jim was born and raised in the beautiful countryside of upstate New York. He attended Union College as a student athlete, balancing the rigors of football with a major in Electrical Engineering. Spending a 5th year to complete additional coursework, he pivoted to study medicine at the University of Rochester, NY. It was there that he met his future wife Lisa, and during the years of his Orthopedic Residency they spent time exploring the Finger Lakes - camping, hiking and wine trailing - an area that would remain tied to them.

Mitchell was born in 2001, and soon after Jim accepted his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. Claire was born later that year, and Jim moved his family to Fort Worth, TX in 2002 to begin a practice that would span over 20 years. Little Ian completed the family in 2007.

Hard work and perseverance grew a highly reputable and busy orthopedic sports medicine practice. He specialized in shoulders, elbows and knees, with a particular interest in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Jim impacted the lives of countless young athletes and weekend warriors alike, helping many return to the activities they loved. High school and college athletes made up a large part of his practice, and it was shared that some pursued a career in health care because of their experience while in his care.

Jim often referred to himself as “just a bone carpenter” and did not like to be called Dr. He often gently corrected people, saying “call me Jim or Mr. Bothwell”. His professional pride was not tied to titles but rather the success of those he cared for.

Jim was a bonafide Mr. Fix-It. On the rare occasion he couldn’t fix it himself, you could find him sitting in his big chair reading manuals and searching YouTube videos until he solved it. He loved any excuse to move dirt and knock down trees with his skid steer, and found himself in a few predicaments in the excitement of it all. Jim was also an amateur brewmaster, a fan of Warren Buffet & Steve Jobs, a collector of tools, machines, firearms, and was known to enjoy a sip (or two) of a good bourbon. He took pleasure in building, fixing, and learning something new.

Above all, Jim was a family man who was immensely proud of his children. He structured his demanding clinical and surgical schedule to ensure he never missed a school event, sporting game, or social event in his children’s lives. His love ran deep and strong, and his greatest pride came from being witness to the bumps & bruises, the courage & achievements of each child.

His dream was to retire with Lisa at the house he built on Keuka Lake, NY - a place very close to their hearts.

Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa; and their children, Mitchell, Claire, and Ian; parents, James and Karen; sisters, Dawn (Mark) and Wendy (Robert); along with many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 29th at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 207 W Broadway Ave., Fort Worth.  Reception to immediately follow.

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The measure of life is the good that it leaves behind. Honor Jim by loving your family, helping others, and treasure the places that feel like home.

For those called to donate in Jim’s memory, please consider

Sandy Hook Promise   takeaction.sandyhookpromise.org/a/inhonorof

New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation Youth Camps    naturalheritagetrust.org/campership-donations