James Bush

Jim Bush, the son of Jacob and Lillian (Kirchoff) Bush, was born on December 3, 1929, in Cherokee, Iowa, and was the youngest of four children. He attended elementary school first at Rock Township Country School, and then at Visitation Maryhill, where he graduated from the 8th grade. He worked with his brothers on the family farm after graduation. During the winter months, he worked first at the Armour, and then at the Cudahy Packing Plants in Sioux City, Iowa. On July 11, 1950, he was married to Eileen Mae Begnoche of Sioux City, Iowa, at Sacred Heart Church in Sioux City. They lived on the family farm in rural Cleghorn in the same house that Jim grew up in, where they raised eight children. Jim was actively involved in farming until his declining health forced him to retire in 2006. He was a lifelong member of Visitation Maryhill Church until a storm demolished it in August, 2006. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Cherokee from that time until his passing. He was also a former member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim enjoyed bowling, playing pool, playing cards, and singing in Visitation Church's men's and adult choirs. His favorite pastime, however, was roller skating (where he met Eileen). For many years, Jim and Eileen also enjoyed square dancing. He was a member, and served several terms as President, of the Marcus Grand Spinners, and later belonged to the Kingsley Square Dance Club. His true passion was always farming. He was gifted with ability in all the trades, but especially as a machinery mechanic. He enjoyed his family, and had a quick wit and smile. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife; his four living sons: Dennis (Deb) Bush, Alan (Christine) Bush, Bryan (Lori) Bush, all of rural Cleghorn, and Wayne Bush of Cherokee, Iowa; his three daughters: Patricia (Doug) Mortenson of Maple Grove, MN; Charlotte (Joe) Groves of rural Cherokee; and Evonne (Chris) Hockert of Stanchfield, MN; 15 grandchildren: Nathan (Jenni) Bush, Randy (Leann) Bush, Dana (Chris) O'Connell, Angela (Travis) Benner, Amber (Rusty) Hartman, Jeff Groves, Eric Groves, Ryan Hockert, Regina Hockert, Joseph Bush, Josh Bush, Daniel Bush, Emily Bush, Michael Bush, Megan Bush; 16 great grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Erma Bush; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth J. Bush; his parents, Jacob and Lillian Bush; a stepfather, Chester Peck; and three brothers: Henry (Daria and Doris) Bush, Lester (Mary Ann) Bush, and Leland Bush. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and will truly be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

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