Jim D Bottcher

Jim D. Bottcher passed away on Dec. 30, 2017, at the age of 71 following a lengthy battle with MS.

Jim was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska on May 5, 1946 to Harold and Jo Bottcher. Following high school, Jim served and worked for the Nebraska National Guard in Lincoln for 13 years. During this time, he met his wife Dian. They bought their first home in the nearby town of Hallam where they had their two sons Chad and Jamie. In Hallam Jim was a volunteer EMT and fireman.

In 1979 Jim and Dian moved to Dubois, Wyoming to be close to the mountains. Jim initially worked as a security guard and EMT at a uranium mine in central Wyoming. A few years down the road, Jim and Dian constructed their own home in Dubois while he was working for the local timber mill in Dubois until the mill shut down in 1988. Jim then found a home with the Dubois School District where he worked eight years and eventually worked as the maintenance and transportation supervisor.

When their oldest son Chad graduated from MSU in Bozeman, Jim and Dian moved to Montana to be part of the construction company venture Chad was starting along with his brother Jamie who was still attending MSU at the time. He proudly worked alongside his sons as a partner in Schlauch Bottcher Construction until 2009 when his illness forced him into early retirement. Working with his hands and skills was one of Jim’s pleasures. Working to help grow the business was one of his proudest accomplishments. After retirement, Jim spent time working on his poker chip and antique gambling paraphernalia collection when he wasn’t taking immense joy in watching his four grandchildren grow up around him.

He is survived by his wife Dian, son Chad (Brenda), son Jamie (Justine) and four grandchildren Jillian, Sydney, Alden, and Brady. He is also survived by his mother Jo Bottcher, sister Gina Pigsley (Jerry), sister Vickie Evans, and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father Harold.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services are set for 3 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Dahl Funeral Home in Bozeman. Those who so desire may make donations in Jim’s memory to: Jim Bottcher Memorial at American Bank, PO Box 1970, Bozeman, MT 59771-1970 to benefit the new hockey rink or you may make donations on line to the Gallatin Ice Foundation under “Give”. Condolences and memories may be shared with Jim’s family at www.dahlcares.com.