John may not have lived in this area for many years but whenever he came to church at Tulare United Church it felt as if a long lost friend was back... and we picked up just where we left off. It was an honor to have known him. We pray God's peace be with his family. Pastor Lorah

What a fabulous photo of John.  His leadership is often spoken of but what is that?  Energy and enthusiasm and compassion and tact and vision and pulling and prodding and just plain standing up for what he believed was right and  giving an example of it every day.  I was stunned to find a saved voice mail message from him on my phone two days ago about our May 19th pruning workshop at his and Cherie's home.  In his usual low key, humorous, down to earth way he said in the message that all was under control and he was happy to help and looking forward to this event. The message summed up John's impact and outlook on the world for me:  Life is important but don't take yourself or anything in it too seriously, do what you can to help another person along, back up what you believe in with your actions, and look forward to tomorrow.  My life is enriched through my work with John and contact with all of you. I will miss his presence.

The passing of John Bottom has saddened Don and Ellen and me.  Like all who knew John we  too ache in our hearts.  John was special in that he offered to all his innate  sense of fellowship and respect.  Weren't we all lucky to have known him.  
     Mimi  & Don Miller & Ellen Miller Flynn

I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to you over the loss of John.  He was a very nice, considerate, thoughtful man that I knew through the Ag Seniors group.  He kept the brown bag lunch meetings of the Ag Seniors well organized and coordinated. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.  I hope that your cherished memory of John will help assuage your grief.
Ed Yawn
Alexandria, Va

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of  sorrow.  Psalms 46:1 says: God is for us a refuge and strength during this difficult time and may God  grant you the comfort to endure.

Our deepest sympathy to all!  John was a special person and the world will miss his expertise on many things.
Darlys and Kenny Buchholz
Tulare-












































Dear Cherie and family,  Our hearts are heavy at the loss of John.  He was always a special part of the reunions.  We send our love.
  Judy and David Anenson

I have many fun memories of the Bottum Family Reunions. John was a big part of that fun. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

We miss you Uncle John! I have never met a more welcoming person.

Dear Cherie, Angie, Stephen, Charles and Margy,
I am so very sorry for your loss.  The world feels slightly askew without John's energy.  My children were as enamored by him as I was as a child.  They would sit with him and learn as many lessons as he'd deliver.  Ava, in all the wisdom a newly turned 8 year old can have wrote this..."I'm very sorry that Uncle John died.  He was a very kind man and always had a smile on his face.  Now he has died  and we can no see his smile or feel his kindness. Love, Ava". Please know that you are in my thoughts and I am sending hugs your way.  Love Peg, Dalas, Ava and Cabot

Uncle John, you have always been so special to us. Even as a child, I remember looking forward to your visits. You were always so interested in what we were involved in and made us feel so important. Always the diplomat-always encouraging us to explore a new idea. I will miss your friendliness, your warm sunshine smile and  your wonderful laugh. I love you very much. May you rest in peace...Doreen & Wayne

Whether he was explaining something relating to nature, or how to stretch our minds at the Committee of 100 meetings, John always gently nudged us into being better informed, and, frankly, better people.  His sharp intellect was camouflaged behind his kindly manner that thoughts of ways to make our community better, too.  I will miss being able to call him to get just the right insight into the thorny problem of the moment.  My thoughts are with Cherie, Stephen and Angela.  Thank you for sharing him with all of us.  Pat Carroll

OBITUARY

John S. Bottum

Born MARCH 1, 1935

Arlington Funeral Home

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