Obituary of James D. Bottorf

James D. (Jim) Bottorf's body ceased to function the morning of Nov. 18 at his home in Punta Gorda, FL. At that time his Spirit departed into eternity. Jim was born in Owensboro, KY, on Sept. 15, 1922, the son of Harry W and Nan D Bottorf. He attended school in Owensboro, KY. Included in his youth activities were years of scouting. Upon graduation from high school he attended Purdue University for one year. When WWII started he enlisted in the Army, entering as a 2nd lieutenant due to his ROTC training. He was placed in a combat engineering unit and became a specialist in ordinance removal (bomb disposal). Following the war he returned home and completed his undergraduate and graduate work at Purdue, earning a PhD in Engineering in 1954. He was hired by Carrier Company in Syracuse, NY. After only a year, he was hired by Trane Company in LaCrosse, WI, where he designed and installed air systems for the next three decades. He produced many patents for the company. One of his projects involved a building at the World Trade Center in Russia in 1978. Jim retired from Trane Company in 1984, and moved to Punta Gorda, FL, to use his skills in the community. Jim has always been an active outdoorsman; with fishing, hunting, boating and flying as his main activities. After moving to LaCrosse, WI, he met Phyllis Pirner with whom he formed a lifelong friendship, each affirming and encouraging the other. Together they enjoyed activities with friends, exploring new foods, square dancing, etc. He was a baptized and confirmed member of the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda, FL. Jim was an active member of the Punta Gorda Kiwanis Club. He was also involved in the United States Power Squadron, where he achieved the rank of Navigator, the highest rank in the organization. He continued to teach seamanship classes until shortly before his death. A Celebration of Life will be conducted on Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 PM at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road in Punta Gorda, followed by a reception at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Owensboro, KY on Thursday, December 18th. Pay respects at www.charlottememorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), either through the website: www.checflorida.org or send to CHEC, 10941 Burnt Store Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33955. Funds will be used for children's education, and many other worthy purposes Jim supported.