Mary Jim Bottcher

Mary Jim Bottcher, age 91, of Oneonta, passed away on Aug. 8, 2025. Born May 4, 1934, to James “Jim” Norment Esslinger and Mary Gladys Stephens Esslinger, Mary Jim was so much more 

than a reflection of her parents' first names. 

She was elegant and charismatic. She was incredibly witty and deeply funny to those who listened. She was wise and insightful. She was a true and considerate friend. She was a woman of so many talents and passions who always endeavored to help others. She was a wonderful friend, spouse, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother to so many who lovingly knew her as Gun-Gun. 

Mary Jim graduated from New Hope High School and matriculated to Auburn University where she became Miss Auburn in 1955-1956 and graduated with a BS in Home Economics. She later received a master’s degree in guidance counseling from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

While at Auburn, she met the love of her life, Charles Bottcher, who she shared almost 69 wonderful years of marriage. Thereafter, she worked as a home economics teacher at Oneonta High School before moving into her most impactful role as the high school guidance counselor. For over 20 years, she mentored and guided students in their college and career choices and left an indelible mark on so many. 

She loved to travel and as a counselor for the People-to-People Student Ambassador Program, explored the world while inspiring high school students to share her passion for culture and discovery. 

Mary Jim had a knack for getting “mileage” and generating side splitting laughter out of self-deprecating stories. She had a life-long love of tennis and enjoyed getting together with her friends to play bridge. But most importantly, she loved her family who she affectionately referred to as her “people.”

She was a woman of deep faith and was a faithful servant of Christ. She was a devoted member of Lester Memorial Methodist Church who served in the choir and arranged the weekly flowers for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Benny Esslinger, and her son, Charles Ervin Bottcher, Jr.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Charles Bottcher; children, Jane Ann (Dalton) NeSmith, Kelly (Charles) Bottcher, Ben (Diane) Bottcher, Gina (Duane) Bottcher; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at Lester Memorial Methodist Church. A graveside service was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Oneonta following the funeral. Asked to serve as pallbearers were her grandsons, Cal NeSmith, Neal NeSmith, Rob NeSmith, Andrew NeSmith, Chase Bottcher, John Bottcher, Jake Bottcher, and William Bottcher.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lester Memorial Methodist Church, PO Box 626, Oneonta, AL 35121 or Oneonta City Schools, 27605 St. Hwy 75, Oneonta, AL 35121.