James Glenn Bott

Mr. James G. Bott died at home July 22nd. He was born on September 14, 1950 to William J. Bott and Genevieve (Mawhinney) Bott in Bethesda, Maryland. He graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School in Winston-Salem and from Belmont Abbey University with a degree in Biology.

A inurnment will be held 2:30 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church: 335 Springdale Ave. Winston-Salem, NC. The family will have a gathering following the service from, 3:30 to 5:30 at the Full Moon Oyster Bar, 1473 River Ridge Dr., Clemmons, NC.

Jim, as he preferred to be called, served as a Navy Helicopter Pilot during the Vietnam War. It was during his transition back to civilian life, when he discovered a passion for pottery. Jim honed his skills and later owned River Bend Pottery in Cary, NC. Seeking a new challenge, Jim returned to school to pursue a teaching certification at Winston Salem State University. Jim was a dynamic and innovative teacher who was devoted to his students. His unique classroom perspective incorporated practical problem-solving skills that helped his students excel. Jim was recognized as a “Master Teacher” and was recruited to work with the National Science Foundation (NSF). In 2000, Jim left the classroom to work on the NSF’s Urban Systemic Grant, which was charged with equalizing science scores in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District. He was responsible for all middle school science activities and was instrumental in establishing Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP) in all of the classrooms. He was a writer and trainer for SEPUP and the Center for Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning (CERTL). Jim was a fierce advocate for educational opportunities and his forward-thinking approach for strengthening science programs resulted in the school system receiving a NASA science grant. Jim worked several summers at multiple NASA locations preparing school lessons and mentoring educators for Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts. He was later selected as a Science Coach for the school system.

Jim’s efforts for improving student achievement were far ranging from curriculum development, educator mentorship, to National teacher certification test question development as a recognized subject matter expert. His efforts positively impacted the educational opportunities for middle school students in Winston-Salem Forsyth County regardless of socioeconomic influences. In September 2012, Jim retired from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District. In his retirement, Jim was re-energized by pottery and was in the process of establishing his kiln.

The hallmark of Jim’s life was service. He was a tremendous person who was gifted with numerous talents, which included being a wonderful conversationalist. He considered his greatest life accomplishment to be fulfilling his mother’s end of life wishes when she was in hospice. Jim’s dry wit, humor and love of life will be greatly missed.

Mr. Bott is survived by his brother, William J. Bott, Jr.; his sisters Joan Bott Hodapp and husband Al and Frances Bott Sletten and husband Rod; as well as six nieces and nephews: Kristin Hodapp Lavery and husband Eric, Ben Hodapp, Matthew Sletten, Carrie Fredricksen and husband Andy, Daniel Sletten and Jessie Sletten; and great niece Emma Lavery and great nephew William Lavery. He is survived by his aunt, Mary Puglielli and husband Sil and cousins: Dr. Terri Rose and family, Joseph Puglielli and family, Dr. Maryann Puglielli, and Bob Van Leer and family.

Cards for the Family of James Bott

Please send to

Joan Bott Hodapp (sister)

11396 Chaffinch Ct

San Diego, CA 92131

For Memorials, please ask anyone interested to send donations in Jim's name to:

The Sawtooth School for Visual Arts

251 Spruce St N Winston-Salem, NC 27101

or

The Kate B. Reynold Hospice Home

101 Hospice Ln Winston Salem, NC 27103