James Garnet Bottom, 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2026 peacefully at his home in Russell Springs, KY surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Russell Springs on October 23, 1931, 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.
James 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.
SURVIVORS:
4 children: James Wesley Bottom (& Deborah Branscum) of Russell Springs, KY, Elizabeth Ann Rose (& Denver) of Eubank, KY, Kathryn Lee Crump (& Dennis) of Columbia, KY, and Brenda Faye Hines (& Johnnie) of Hustonville, KY
8 grandchildren: Brian Bottom, Stacy Anderson (& Charlie), Whitney Godoy, Mark Rose, Ashley MacAllister (& Tim), Adam Crump (& Jordan Estes), Tim Crump, and Daniel Crump
11 great-grandchildren: Bryce Anderson, Clay Anderson (& Zoie Polston), Brianne Bottom, Cooper Robertson, Callee Robertson, Clark Robertson, Carlee Robertson, Zeke MacAllister, Adeline MacAllister, Claire Crump, and Everette Crump
2 great-great-grandchildren: Jeremiah Bottom and Cruz Anderson
A number of nieces, nephews and a host of friends & other family members
Funeral Service: Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 12:00pmCT at Russell Springs First Baptist Church, with Bro. Christian Naylor and Bro.Dennis Crump officiating
Burial: Russell Springs City Cemetery with full military honors by the Russell County Honor Guard
Visitation: After 9:00amCT on Saturday at the church
Pallbearers: Brian Bottom, Charlie Anderson, Mark Rose, Adam Crump, Tim Crump, and Tim MacAllister
Honorary pallbearers: 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.
Bernard Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
