Jim Bothe

On Saturday, July 15, 2017, Retired Lt. James J. “Jim” Bothe, 80, passed peacefully away at Pine Pointe Hospice after waging a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. A Rosary prayer service will be held on Sunday, July 23, at 6:00 pm at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street. Visitation with Jim’s family will follow immediately afterwards until 8:00 pm in the funeral home. On Monday, July 24, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street with Father Scott Winchel officiating. Jim will be laid to rest with full military honors at 2:00 pm in Andersonville National Cemetery.

Jim was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Elmer R. and Gwendolyn “Honey” Favro Bothe. At 17, he joined the United States Navy, beginning a twenty-four year career of service to his country that would provide a life of adventure and allow him to see the world. Once in the Navy, Jim advanced through the Warrant Officer Program and retired with the rank of Lieutenant having served with distinction, including time on the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War. It was also during his service overseas that he met and married his first wife, the late Barbara “Pat” Adair Bothe, with whom he had two sons. Pat Bothe passed away in 2005, after forty-three years of marriage to Jim.

In the late 1970’s, Jim and his family moved to Macon and made it their home. Once here, Jim began a second career in real estate, spending twenty years with Fickling and Walker and retiring as a broker. Jim was a longtime parishioner and heavily involved at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and later St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. It was through St. Joe’s that Jim met the lady who would become his wife in 2006, Elois Embry Bothe. Both Jim and Elois had lost their spouses of more than forty years when their friendship quickly grew into a relationship that resulted in eleven wonderful years of marriage which brought newfound happiness to both them and their families.

Though he was an adventurous soul, Jim wasn’t defined by what he did or where he had traveled; he was defined by who he was at his core. He was the consummate gentleman; a caretaker who was always elegant and graceful. He was handsome and had a smile that made friends feel they had made his day when he saw them. He was a man of faith and quiet strength. He was strong-willed and forthright, but always kind. He was not a man of hobbies, but preferred to spend his time with friends and the family he loved. In addition to Elois, this especially included his nine granddaughters. He was a crowd favorite at all their events, which he delighted in attending. These are the things for which he will be best remembered.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Nancy, and brother Bill.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Elois Bothe, Macon; sons: J. Mike Bothe (Gena), Irmo, SC; David S. Bothe, Athens; daughter, Rhonda Sutton (Carlton), Macon; and granddaughters: Carli, Kate, Caylee Ann, Jaclyn, Rachel, Cassie, Erin, Melissa, and Ella.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences for the family.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel has the honor of handling Mr. Bothe’s arrangements.