James "Jim" Sidebottom

Stover native, James Earl Sidebottom, age 78, passed away early Saturday morning, September 12, 2020, at his home with his family by his side.

Jim was born in Stover, the youngest of seven children born to Dewey and Irma Davidson Sidebottom.

He attended school in Stover and like so many young men his age, answered the call to serve his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the US Air Force.

Jim married the love of his life, Jeanie Marriott in 1967, eloping to Miami, Oklahoma for a secret wedding.

He worked most of his life as a Union Laborer, retiring from Temple-Callison in Sedalia.

Growing up in the Stover community, Jim took advantage of the opportunity to hunt, especially deer.  He loved attending auctions and sales, looking for something to add to his extensive collections and he was also an accomplished woodworker, making a variety of things for family and friends.

However, what he enjoyed most was being at home with his family, where the highlight of his life was spending time with his grandkids and spoiling his great grandkids.

Jim is survived by his wife Jeanie of the home; two daughters, Julie Bahrenburg and husband Jimmy of Cole Camp and Tonya Sidebottom of Stover; one sister, Elpha Gillispie of Excelsior Springs; three grandchildren, Logan Wells and wife Alex, Allyson Gotthardt and Casey Bahrenburg and fiancé Tyler Foster; five great grandchildren, Isabella, Gentry and Alivia Wells and Oliver and Riley Gotthardt, along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Roy and Carl Sidebottom and three sisters, Opal Meeks, Annie Cicala and Mary Ellen James.

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated.  No public service will be scheduled.

.