John Lee Bottom, also known as John Phoenix, is most famous for being the father of Academy Award-winning performer Joaquin Phoenix and late actor-musician River Phoenix.
He and his wife were part of the religious association ‘The Children of God,’ a Christian evangelistic group, for a considerable period. However, John sadly passed away in 2015 after battling cancer.
John Lee Bottom Bio Summary
Full name: John Lee Bottom
Date of birth: 1947
Nationality: American
Birth Country: United States
Father’s name: Robert Merrill Bottom
Mother’s name: Beulah Ingram
Gender: Male
Sexual orientation: Straight
Wife’s name: Arlyn Pheonix
Kids: 6 (Jodean, River, Rain, Joaquin, Liberty, and Summer)
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Weight: 50 kg
Early Life
John Lee Bottom was born on April 5, 1947, in Stanislaus County, California, United States. His parents were Robert Merril Bottom and Beulah Ernestine. Being the oldest of five siblings, he had to help in taking care of them from a young age. Despite his non-traditional childhood, he was a bright and driven individual with a strong desire to succeed.
Although there is no official record of John’s education, it is believed that he completed high school. Upon leaving the cult “The Children of God,” John changed his last name from Bottom to Pheonix.
Career
John Lee Bottom grew up in a poverty-stricken area of Fontana, California. Due to his family’s financial difficulties, he was unable to continue his education and eventually had to leave school. To support himself, he held a variety of occupations such as landscaping and carpentry.
In 1973, he sought a feeling of belonging and direction and thus became a member of the Children of God cult. As time passed, he demonstrated his loyalty and devotion to the group, leading to his advancement within the hierarchy and ultimately becoming an Archbishop.
John Lee Bottom was actively engaged in a multitude of social and political issues. He was a vocal supporter of civil rights, environmental protection, and peace movements. He took part in numerous demonstrations and gatherings, such as the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.’s renowned “I Have a Dream” address.
During the early 1970s, John Lee Bottom relocated to South America and resided and worked among native communities for several years. Throughout his stay, his fascination with the culture and beliefs of the indigenous people grew, leading him to become a passionate supporter of their rights.
Personal Life
John Lee Bottom and Arlyn Phoenix’s lives changed when they met in California in September 1969. They got married on September 13, 1969, and joined the Children of God cult, settling down at the group’s base in Crockett, Texas.
John and Arlyn were passionate missionaries who traveled extensively to share their faith in Mexico, South America, and the United States. During a certain time, they went by the names Jochebed and Amram to better fulfill their mission.
John and Arlyn were married for 27 years until they got divorced in 1997. The reason for their split is still a mystery. During their time together, they had five children who have all achieved success in different areas. Their kids were named Rain, River, Joaquin, Liberty, and Summer.
John Lee Bottom had a secret relationship with an unidentified woman before his marriage to Arlyn. Their daughter, Jodean Bottom, was born from this affair, but it was not revealed to the family until years later when a friend disclosed the information. River, John’s son, then stepped in to locate and support Jodean and her child.
Their marriage had been smooth sailing for quite some time. However, in 1997, the couple made the decision to separate and officially divorced after 27 years of marriage. The reason for their divorce is still unknown. His ex-wife went on to marry Jeffrey Weisberg in 2001, who worked as a producer.
Cause of death
In 2015, at the age of 68, John lost his life after fighting cancer. However, his children continue to carry on his legacy by becoming accomplished actors and passionate advocates for social causes.
