James Dean "Jim" Busch

James Dean (Jim) Busch, longtime resident of Missoula, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2020 at Edgewood Health Care in Helena.

He was born on June 8, 1946, in Deadwood, South Dakota to Clyde Bush Sr. and Vivian (Fabricius) Bush. Jim attended grade and high school in South Dakota and Montana. He graduated at Ft. Benton and then attended Montana State University for one year. He enlisted in the Navy and rapidly advanced to the rating of 1st Class Petty Officer. While assigned to a support ship for the Navy's nuclear submarine fleet, he was selected to receive a full scholarship to the University of New Mexico. Upon receiving a bachelors degree as an Electrical Engineer, he was a commissioned Naval Officer.

Following his Naval service, Jim worked in several roles of interest but surrounded his endeavors with a love of his Lord Jesus Christ. His faith led him to a sharing of the gospel with many people in need of new beginnings. Jim could be found passing out pocket copies of the New Testament with an enclosed money gift to the lonely at truck stops. He found other similar ways to offer support and hope to many young adults at various times and places throughout his life.

In summary of his life, his Retirement Plan, as worded by Jim, was as follows:

"Tonight I will retire to my Bed,
In the morning, if the Lord gives me breath to breathe,
I will wake up and serve Him."

Jim is survived by brothers, Clyde (Sharon) Bush Jr., Harley (Dorothy) Bush and sister Beckie Earls, stepbrothers Kurth and Karl DeLand, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister DeeAnn Charlson.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, October 29th, 2020 at 12pm at Western Montana State Veteran Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service will be streamed live below and will be recorded for later viewing.