Edward Jarvis Bottum

April 5, 1936 ~
February 4, 2021

Reverend Edward Jarvis Bottum was born on Palm Sunday April 5, 1936 to Curtis Edward Bottum Sr. and Gladys Jarvis Bottum in Ann Arbor MI. He had a beloved older brother Curtis (“Bill”) Edward Bottum Jr. He had a happy childhood with the love and support of his parents and brother.

Rev. Bottum graduated from University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s in Business, then earned a law degree from University of Michigan. He practiced law in the army for 3 years. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was stationed in Texas and stayed up all night writing wills for soldiers who thought they were headed for nuclear war. On leaving the army, he worked in international law in Washington DC. During this time, he had a life changing dream in which he felt God calling him into the ministry. He graduated from Andover Newton Seminary in Massachusetts and became an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He was the pastor of Smith Memorial United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids MI for 3 years and helped them develop a community outreach program including a food pantry, a clothing supply and a youth ministry group.

In 1973 Rev. Bottum left Smith Memorial to form Koinonia, a non-denominational church. Koinonia was his life’s work. He believed passionately that “every person is a child of God and endowed with infinite worth” as he wrote in a song he composed for Koinonia. He was deeply moved by the dream of Martin Luther King Jr and was proud of the fact that despite the segregation which can run so deeply in American Christianity, Koinonia always had active members of African and European descent. Pastor Ed was especially drawn to (some said gifted in) working with people who experienced mental illness, intellectual disabilities or past/current incarceration. He believed that no matter how many mistakes one has made or what limitations one has, there is always great potential in each person to make a difference in the world. He ministered to people in practical matters such as giving them rides, helping them move and buying them food. He also continually believed in the value and worth of each person and tried to support them emotionally and spiritually. Rev. Bottum earned a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University in the 1980’s, specializing in addiction.

In 1959 Ed married Mary Peacock Bottum, the mother of his 2 children, Kathleen Bottum (born 1962, life partner Shelley Tischkau) and Christopher Bottum (born 1970, wife Jennylyn Daarol Bottum). All survive him. Ed and Mary divorced in 1974. Ed had 2 long term relationships with first Orpha Meyers and then Willella Barnes; both preceded him in death. Ed was delighted by the pregnancy of Jennylyn and Christopher. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see the birth of his first grandchild, a boy expected in May 2021.

Rev. Bottum died on Feb. 4, 2021 of cardiac complications from a house fire (which started when he fell asleep smoking in bed). Memorial service(s) will be the afternoon of Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Koinonia Church, 707 Eastern Ave. (please RSVP your contact info to MKD Funeral Home, 616-377-9207). Covid restrictions will apply (masks MUST be worn and there is a limit on the number of people at any one time in the church). We will try to accommodate all who wish to attend. Services will be recorded and available the following day at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. Rev. Bottum will be buried near his parents and brother in Forest Hill Cemetery, Ann Arbor MI. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Koinonia or the charity of your choice.

Finally, please remember Pastor Ed’s motto – “God loves all people!” This applies to you and everyone you meet.

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 06, 2021 5:17pm
Ed and served in the JAG office at Fort Bliss Texas. I had not seen nor heard of him since I left there in 1963. I saw the notice of his death in the UCC monthly listing of ministerial deaths.

- Robert Frieberg

February 25, 2021 9:23pm
Pastor Ed was a friend to me and my husband Jimmy. He was always there for us and provided transportation and prayer. He spoke and sang at Jimmy's funeral. We loved him. I will miss him and I will see him again in Heaven.

- Tammy Johnston

February 23, 2021 1:35pm
Met Ed when she attended Plymouth UCC for the last few years arriving on the go bus with an attendant usually. I was able to give him some clothes as my husband was a large man and had died back in August of nineteen and he was more than willing to accept them. My daughter was wearing a "U of M" top when we dropped them off to him & he came down his ramp singing the pep song & explained that he had attended the "U of M"! I appreciated reading his obit sharing about his life & his work for our Lord! May his example live on in us as we go about our daily lives!

- Noralyn A Gillette

February 23, 2021 10:00am
Such a kind and giving person. Dedicated to learning and doing good with that knowledge. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

- Nancy & Michael Ramalia

February 21, 2021 8:57pm
There are many memories of Ed from Ann Arbor High School. So happy that he went forward with his education & helped so many people.

- Sandra M.Van Doren




Order flowers for Edward's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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