James Edward Botts

James E. Botts was born August 2, 1952 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles and Tereca (Hickman) Botts. He was educated in the Des Moines Public School system where he graduated from East High School. James later attained his Associates Degree in the Arts from DMACC.

James (also known as Fats or Fat Daddy) was a quiet, kind man. He loved going to church and serving the Lord. He was a long time member of True Bible Baptist Church, but had recently joined Corinthian. He was the ultimate dad, raising not only his daughter, Nevaeh; but his step children also. He attended all the ball games and school conferences for them all. He liked playing cards and was a real movie buff.

James was an entrepreneur and started his own lawn care service, 'Christian Landscapers'. He worked for and purchased a Habitat for Humanity house two years ago. He worked overtime to quickly put in his 'sweat equity'. He and Nevaeh had only been in the house a short time before he suffered his life changing stroke.

On July 26, 2014, James made his transition from this life at the age of 61. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Botts and Tereca Jefferson; his brothers, Alfred Hickman and Harold Hickman and an uncle, Leon Woodley.

James is survived by his children, Nevaeh Botts and Robert John Manuel; his step-children, Jahzel and Arianna; his grandchildren, Savanah Wolder, Jaydon Waters, Daja Lester, Kiera, Darius and Robert Manuel, Jr.; his siblings, Charles Thomas Botts, Doris Jean Burrell and Julia Lee Botts-Horton; his uncles, Billy Botts and Wilbert Woodley; along with a host of extended family and friends.