James "Jim" Rush

James (Jim) Robert Rush went to be with his Lord and Savior July 21, 2015. He was 90 years and 5 months at the time of his passing. James was born February 24, 1925 in Huckabey, MO, to his parents Roy L. Rush and Roxie (Emory) Rush. As a young boy he attended Urbana Schools and enjoyed being around his parents store at Huckabey, where he played checkers with all the elder men. He said he always won. Going fishing and playing in the creek was a favorite part of his childhood. He received Christ as his Savior at the age of 16 and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Urbana, MO. He later attended the First Baptist Church of Bolivar. He graduated from Urbana High School in 1942. Serving in the Southwest Pacific region in the 158th Infantry during World War II, James was a demolition specialist and received a Purple Heart and other medals of honor. James served from September 1943 to January 1946. Later going on to be one of the first in his family to attend college. Attending Southwest Missouri State and Draughons Business College in Springfield, MO. After returning from the war he married Marie Franklin on July 17, 1949 at First Baptist Church in Urbana. James had several business with his brother in-law Amos Franklin. Starting with a grocery store, then feed store and mill. Selling those, they bought a Chevrolet dealership in Urbana having it for 8 years. James built a new Chevrolet dealership in Osceola, MO where he worked alongside his wife, sons and family for 30 years. James was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved competing in bass fishing tournaments with his sons; Ronnie and Rick and family friend Darrell Reach. Even winning a Show Me state medal. In 1990 Mr. Pick up came to Bolivar, MO with a GMC and Chrysler dealership. Where, until his passing, he worked six days a week from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm where he loved to visit with, and entertain his customers, and give children a dollar, a balloon, or candy. He loved going in his boat on Truman Lake and catching a lot of Crappie with his best friend Gene Carrell. He went every day that the weather allowed, and some days that weather should have kept him home. Every day at 12:30 you could find James in front of the TV watching Andy Griffith, the only time he didn't want a customer to interrupt him. Leaving to mourn his passing is his wife Marie Rush of 66 years of the home, Son Ronnie Rush and wife Nancy of Bolivar, Son Rick Rush of Bolivar, MO and Grandchildren Amy Rush of Bolivar, MO and Courtney Rush of Springfield, MO. Great-Grandchildren Mickayla, Lydia and Brant Meredith of Bolivar, MO and Step Grandson Eric Hines of Springfield, MO. Sisters Irene (Rush) Franklin of Bolivar, MO and Evelyn (Rush) Reser of Marshall, MO. Many nieces, nephews, friends and customers. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO, with Brother Jack Sawyers officiating. Gene Carrel, Gary Franklin, Heath Hawkins, Darrell Reach, Phil Hare, and Bob Katz will be serving as casket bearers, with Russell Emory, Kelly Franklin, Lonnie Hoppers, Keith Pennington, and Tom Denouden serving as honorary casket bearers. Musical selections will include “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” performed by Connie Riddle, with “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill played. Visitation will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, one hour prior to the funeral service, at the funeral home. Burial will follow services in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Urbana, MO. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the OACAC (for children) P.O. Box 419, Bolivar, Missouri 65613 PDF Printable Version

James "Jim" Rush

February 24, 1925 - July 21, 2015