Obituary of James J Bush

James J. Bush

2.18.31-4.18.24

James "Jim" Bush, of Randolph, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at the age of 93. He had been residing at the House of The Good Shepherd in Hackettstown since November, 2021.

His great love and wife of 68 years, Doris, predeceased him in October 2022.

Jim was a graduate of Dover High School ('49), and Army veteran of the Korean War. Always mechanically inclined, he worked as a tool and die maker at Picatinny Arsenal, followed by jobs at The Carbone Corp and Lockheed Electronics as a manufacturing engineer.  He completed his career designing and installing home security systems at his own company.

After work hours, Jim applied his resourceful and creative energy to countless home repairs and improvements: fixing cars, replacing windows and siding, plumbing, flooring, electrical work, cabinet making, and installing an inground pool complete with fencing, lighting, concrete, a shed, and picnic tables. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Fix It" and took great pride in this identity.

Jim's personal interests were varied, and he made friends easily in the process. He enjoyed racquetball, golf, skiing, bowling, billiards, reading biographies, Barbershop chorus singing, and gardening . He grew some great tomatoes, managed to golf and ski well into his mid-80's, and could still beat us all at bowling at age 92!

Jim and Doris enjoyed boating together on Lake Hopatcong and vacationing at Wildwood in their retirement years.

They had four children together: Doug, Curt (wife Aimee), Sandra, and Amy (husband Chris), eight grandchildren Nicole, Jimmy, Malcolm, Dylan, Ariel, Natalie, Jordan, Jeremy, and four great grandchildren Ben, Molly, Cullen and Noam.

Jim regularly coached his kids' little league teams and, along with Doris, rarely missed a school event of their children and grandchildren. Jim may have been Randolph wrestling's biggest fan. Summer backyard pool parties and barbecues for family and friends were a regular event.

No one is quite sure how he managed to accomplish so much.

If you knew Jim, you will remember his laugh, boundless energy, strong work ethic, and above all his abiding love of Doris. 

A celebration and remembrance barbeque in Jim and Doris' honor will take place on July 13, 2024, at 3 PM, at the home of their son Doug in Hackettstown NJ.

You may contact Doug at 908-229-3241 or dougbush430@gmail.com for more details.