James Garnet Bottom, age 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at his home in Russell Springs, surrounded by his family.
Born in Russell Springs, Kentucky, he was the beloved son of the late Olie Garnet “O.G.” and Elma Adeline Bernard Bottom. After graduating from Russell Springs High school, college, and dental school, James proudly served his country when he became a dentist, traveling and living in various locations throughout his military service, before eventually retiring as a Colonel in the United States Air Force and returning to Kentucky.
He was a member of Russell Springs First Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Isbell Bottom; and his daughter, Susan Jean Bottom.
James G. is survived by four children, James Wesley (and Deborah Branscum) Bottom, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, Elizabeth Ann (and Denver) Rose, of Eubank, Kentucky, Kathryn Lee (and Dennis) Crump, of Columbia, Kentucky, and Brenda Faye (and Johnnie) Hines, of Hustonville, Kentucky.
He was the proud grandfather of Brian Bottom, Stacy (and Charlie) Anderson, Whitney Godoy, Mark Rose, Ashley (and Tim) MacAllister, Adam (and Jordan Estes) Crump, Tim Crump, and Daniel Crump.
His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren, Bryce Anderson, Clay (and Zoie Polston) Anderson, Brianne Bottom, Cooper Robertson, Callee Robertson, Clark Robertson, Carlee Robertson, Zeke MacAllister, Adeline MacAllister, Claire Crump, and Everette Crump. He was also blessed with two great-great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Bottom and Cruz Anderson. Left behind are also a number of nieces, nephews, a host of friends and family.
Funeral services for James Garnet Bottom will be 12:00 Noon C.S.T. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Russell Springs First Baptist Church, with Brother Christian Naylor and Brother Dennis Crump officiating. Burial will follow in the Russell Springs City Cemetery with full military honors by the Russell County Honor Guard.
Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. C.S.T. until the time of services.
Pallbearers will be Brian Bottom, Charlie Anderson, Mark Rose, Adam Crump, Tim Crump, and Tim MacAllister.
Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Crump, Bryce Anderson, Cooper Robertson, Clay Anderson, Clark Robertson, Zeke MacAllister, Jeremiah Bottom, Everette Crump, and Cruz Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations of sympathy be made to: Uganda Counseling and Support Services (UCSS). Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1374, Columbia, KY 42728 or online at www.ugandacss.org.