James E. Bush

Mr. James (Jim) E. Bush, 96, of Lebanon, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1929, in Lebanon, Indiana, the son of the late Raymond C. and Carrie Mozelle (Newkirk) Bush. On November 27, 1949, Jim married the love of his life, Christina Mae Thrine, in Lebanon. They shared 74 wonderful years of marriage. Jim was raised in Boone County and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1947. In his early years, he worked at Wards in the warehouse and later at Wilson Milk Co. He and his father eventually owned the Surge Dairy Store before transitioning to carpentry work with Duff Farm Management. In 1959, Jim and Christina purchased their first farm on contract from Olin Walker. It became the heart of their family’s farming operation, where they raised their three children—Ron, Susan, and Rick—and watched their legacy grow through grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Jim expanded the farm to include dairy cows, hogs, and additional acreage. He was an active member of the agricultural community, serving as 4-H Fair traffic and safety coordinator, and swine show participant. Jim was also involved in the Boone County Pork Producers and served as Vice Chair of the Western Boone Building Corporation, helping raise funds to build Western Boone Jr.-Sr. High School. The Bush family were longtime members of The First Baptist Church for over 50 years and later attended Centenary United Methodist Church. Survivors include his children, Susan C. Alexander and Richard A. “Rick” Bush; grandchildren, Dennis (Megan) Alexander, Jaime Cardinal, Joseph (Nikki) Alexander, Carrie Alexander, Adelaide (Algirdas) Navickas, and Clarissa Bush. Jim was also blessed with many great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Christina; their son, James Ronald “Ron” Bush; and his sister, Judith Bush Rice. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to Boone County Senior Services, 515 Crown Pointe Drive, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, Boone County Cancer Society, 1208 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052, or to the donor’s choice.

James E. Bush

May 19, 1929 - July 5, 2025