James "Jim" Thomas Botkin,

Jim was born Aug. 21, 1922 in Los Angeles, CA. He passed away on September 27, 2012, surrounded by his family in Dinuba, CA, at the age of 90. He was a retired Program Supervisor for the California Dept. of Food & Agriculture. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy six days after Pearl Harbor and served his Country for 5 years. He served on the USS Sterett and was part of the historic night battles on November 12 & 13, 1942, at Guadalcanal and the battle of Vela Gulf in August 1943. He was a past president of Exeter Sportsman Assoc., past Commander of Exeter Post 94 the American Legion, Past Master of Fraser Lodge 294 and veteran member and past director of the Shriners Clowns. He was a member of Tulare County Voiture 566 the 40 et 8, Orange Belt Lodge 303, Selma Lodge 277, Fresno Bodies of the Scottish Rite, Tehran Shrine Temple of Fresno, Tin Can Sailors of America & American Legion Post 432, Cambria, Ca.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Juanita; his brother, George Botkin of Fresno; his sister, Martha Franzen of Visalia, CA; his daughter, Linda Rotan of Reedley; his sons, Joe of San Diego, Dave of Reedley, and Steven of Corona; 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Botkin; two great-grandchildren, Alyxandra Tweedy and Garrett Botkin; his parents, Jim and Rachel Botkin; and a brother, Hugh Botkin.

Visitation is on Thursday, October 4, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Dopkins Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 11:00 a.m. at Dopkins Chapel. Reception to follow Saturday’s service.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to: Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95817-2215