James Rubottom

James Harry Lee Rubottom

James Harry Lee Rubottom, 68, Topeka, died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at his home. Mr. Rubottom worked as an alcohol and drug counselor for the VA Medical Center in Topeka for 28 years, touching many lives. He was born Dec. 5, 1935, in Sarcoxie, Mo., the son of Darwin Edward and Anna Maretta Cromer Rubottom Sr. He graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1953. He was a 24-year resident of Topeka. Jim attended Missouri Southern College and Washburn University. He served in the Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 0431 in Diamond, Mo., and First United Methodist Church in Sarcoxie, Mo. He was a beloved son, husband, father and grandfather. He married Connie Jo Rutherfort on May 14, 1976, in Joplin, Mo. He was preceded in death by three sons, John Douglas Rubottom, James Edward Allen Rubottom and David Guy Rubottom; and three sisters, Betty Ann Rubottom, Patricia Brooks and Carolyn Sue Franks. Survivors include his wife, Connie Jo Rubottom, Topeka; two sons, Jeff Vanderkooy, in California, and Mark Rubottom, Neosho, Mo.; two daughters, Cindy Squier, Tulsa, Okla., and Teresa Kuss, in California; his mother, Anna Rubottom, Sarcoxie, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Tracey Winnett, Eureka, Mo., and Lee Ann Robertson, Joplin, Mo.; a brother, Darwin Edward "Jack" Rubottom Jr., Sarcoxie, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at All Faiths Chapel at Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center. Funeral services and burial were Monday at Sarcoxie, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 1033 S.W. Gage Blvd., Topeka, 66604. Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel is in charge of arrangements.