James Bush of Portage passed away Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 at his home with his family by his side. He was 79.

Born on April 29, 1931 in Ft. Wayne, he was the son of Edward and Lela Ruth (Mason) Bush, who preceded him in death. He married Nancy (Scott) Bush, who survives of Portage.

He is also survived by his children, Alex Bush of Florida, Edward (wife Kymberli) of Georgia, Jamie (Georgianne) Bush of Chesterton, Julie (husband Dennis) Dowell of Chesterton; sister Mary (Leonard) Lancaster of Hico, W. Va.; caregiver Susan Tembo; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Bush, and a sister, Alice Patterson.

James was a retired commander from the U.S. Navy with over 23 years of service. He also worked for General Meters Corp as a representive. He was a member of the Prime Timers at First Assembly of God in Portage, now known as the Crossroads Family Church, and a member of the Portage Kiwanis from 1995-2002.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave, Portage, with Pastor Michael Bean and Pastor Ken Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Heritage Cemetery Portage. Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 17 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Crossroads Family Church or Prime Timers, 2386 Willowcreek Portage, IN 46368. www.EE-FH.com

Posted 9/16/2010