James William Bott

James (Jim) William Bott, 91, of Destin, Florida, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Miramar Beach, Florida. He was born Sunday, January 14, 1934, in Corydon, Indiana. He was the only child of William Harry Bott and Mary K. Farnsley.
Jim was a graduate of North Vernon High School and completed three years at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio studying for a bachelor's degree in business administration. He was drafted by the United States Army in 1956 and before he could earn that degree. He served as a clerk typist while in the Army and he served eighteen months in Japan. Jim separated from the army in 1958 with an honorable discharge. He returned to North Vernon and was eventually hired by Cummins Engine Company as a purchasing agent. He continued to work for Cummins until his retirement.
Jim grew up in North Vernon, Indiana and married his childhood friend, Marjorie Ann Bertram, in a ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church, also in North Vernon, on October 6, 1956. Jim and Margie purchased their first home in Taylorsville, Indiana. They eventually settled in Columbus, Indiana and raised four children. Margie and Jim were blessed with sixty-eight, wonderful years together.
Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed working on old cars. With the aid of his sons, they restored two old Ford Mustangs. He also enjoyed camping with his family, bowling, traveling with his wife, Margie, and visiting with family and friends. Jim was one of the founding members of the Columbus, Indiana chapter of the Mustang Club where he sometimes planned and frequently participated in their biannual "cobweb Tour". He also loved showing his 1966 Ford Mustang at car shows and parades. Jim was also a member of the Elks Club in Columbus. Margie and Jim attended St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus for most of their lives until their recent move to Destin, Florida.
Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marjorie A Bott; sons, Charles W. Bott (Colleen), Dennis W. Bott (Kelly), and David D. Bott (Monique); and his daughter, Melissa A. Woodall (Donald); grandchildren, Bryan Bott, Wayne Bott (Bennett), Brad Bott (Stephanie), Joshua R. Weekley (Kaylee), Dustan J. Weekley, Amber N. Otto, Collin W. Bott, Dakota Bott, Jessica A. Weekley, Sierra Sanders (Franklin) and 6 great grandchildren: Eva Bott, Finn Bott, Wyatt Bott, Jude T. Weekley, Jared W. Otto, and Daelynn Bott.
He was preceded in death by his parents; William H. Bott and Mary K. Bott; In-laws Charles William Bertram and Marilouise Bertram; Grandson, Derek W. Bott; and grandparents, aunts and uncles and family friends.
The Funeral Mass celebrating Jim's life is planned for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. in Miramar Beach, Florida.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home. To share memories, express condolences and sign the guest book, please visit www.daviswatkins.com