James Edwin Dotter, Jr., affectionately known as Dad, Bopaw, and Adventure Jim, was born on August 6, 1931, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Alice Kuhl Dotter and James Edwin Dotter, Sr. He spent his formative years across the Midwest, living in Cleveland, Ohio; Sullivan, Missouri; and Wilmette, Illinois. A true Midwestern kid, James attended New Trier High School, where he wrestled and played ice hockey. There, he developed a grit and discipline that stayed with him throughout his life. His love for the outdoors began early through Scouting, where he earned Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow—a foundation that served him well on many family adventures to come.
James studied at Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, wrestled, joined Beta Theta Pi, and served as a Naval ROTC cadet. After graduating, he served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. This included a posting in Puerto Rico, before he returned to Illinois to begin a career in advertising. In 1958, he married Doris Ellen Rowe, whom family legend says he met at a Beta Theta Pi alumni event. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
Jim and Ellen settled in Evanston, Illinois, where they raised their three sons and were active at First Presbyterian Church. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps Reserve, Jim spent 28 years at the Leo Burnett Company, working on accounts including Pillsbury, McDonald’s, and United Airlines. While the work was demanding, the stories it produced were worth it—especially for his listeners. Jim retired from Burnett in 1986.
In 1990, Jim moved to Seattle, Washington, where he continued his love of adventure and faithfully served as an usher at University Presbyterian Church.
Jim was a true Renaissance man. He voraciously consumed good books, movies, and live theatre. He enjoyed international travel and a wide range of outdoor activities. Jim scuba dove the Great Barrier Reef, hiked in the Himalayas, and visited multiple continents. Stories from his camping expeditions with his sons are cherished family lore—river canoeing, backpacking, and even encounters with bears!
He officially ran five marathons, and several members of his family share his love of running, continuing the marathon legacy he began. He also rode his bicycle across the United States multiple times, often extending his journeys into western Canada. A devoted skier, Jim enjoyed both downhill and cross-country skiing. He regularly brought his Nordic skis to the Izaak Walton Inn in Montana, a favorite getaway where he was known by name. His love for the outdoors went beyond recreation; as for much of his later adult life, he was a proud, card-carrying member of the Sierra Club.
Beyond his many pursuits, James was a deeply present grandfather, faithfully attending his grandchildren’s graduations, sporting events, recitals, and plays.
Jim is survived by his sister, Katherine; his sons, David, James, and Thomas, and their wives; and his seven grandchildren—Julia, Emma, Caroline, Michael, Gracie, Andrew, and Abby. His eldest grandchild, Julia, coined the moniker he is forever known by, Bopaw. He will be deeply missed, but we celebrate the good news that he is now reunited with Jesus (2 Cor. 5:8). Knowing Jim, they’re probably biking right now.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
