James "Jim" Frederick Bush

James F. Bush, age 83 of Fredericktown, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 16, 1942, in Mansfield to the late Chester and Miriam D. (Blum) Bush.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Chesterville High School. After high school Jim went on to serve in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1965.  After his time in the Navy, Jim went on to work at HPM cleaning machinery and then for Quaker Oates in Marion for over 20 years where he worked as an ingredient’s processor. After Quaker Oats Jim started his own business known as the Handyman where he made many friends through his work. After retiring, Jim made many friends in the Amish community through hauling them from place to place.  

Jim was a devoted member of Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, valuing the fellowship, service, and community it provided. Through his faith and involvement, Jim formed many meaningful friendships and lived a life centered on compassion and devotion.

Jim took great pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the art of woodworking, sharing not only his skills but also the wisdom and lessons he learned throughout his life as they worked alongside him. More importantly, he taught his grandchildren to love Jesus, faithfully guiding them in their walk with Christ and bringing faith into their lives by his own example. In his free time, Jim enjoyed the simple pleasures of hunting and fishing.

On December 17, 1966, in St. Mathew’s Catholic Church in Mount Gilead, Jim married Joan S. (Wien) and she preceded him in death on March 16, 2013.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his two children: Christina L. (Philip) Coots and Andrew J. Bush, both of Fredericktown; six grandchildren: Brian (Kandy Daniels) Coots, Tony (Kortni) Coots, James (Samantha) Coots, Brandon Bush, Bobby Bush, and Brittany Bush; and ten great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Bush.

Friends may call at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street, Cardington, Ohio 43315 on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Sacred Hearts Church in Cardington and the burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville where full military honors will be observed. 

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the Sacred Hearts Women’s Guild, 4680 US Highway 42, Cardington, Ohio 43315.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Bush family with Jim’s final wishes. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gompffh.com.