James "Jim" Bush Jr.

     James  “Jim” Bush Jr. , 93, died Thursday June 14 with his loving wife, Jean (Couto) Bush, by his side.   Jim and Jean were together for 26 years.  He was also the husband of the late Patricia C. (Riordan) Bush.  Jim  was born in Buffalo NY, the son of the late Imre and Rozsa (Szur) Bush and lived in Framingham for many years before moving to Marlborough in 1993.

     Jim was a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute class of 1946  with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and went on to Cornell University for midshipman's school.  He then served in the United States Navy during WWII reaching the rank of Ensign.  Jim was very proud of his Hungarian heritage serving as an interpreter for refugees in 1956.   Jim worked many years as a manufacturer’s representative for the Stoddard Corp. and J.P. Adams Company before retiring at the age of 75.  

     Jim had a passion for golf, volunteering as a marshal for 18 years at Pleasant Valley golf course in Sutton. For 21 years Jim swam at Wayside Racquet and Swim Club. In 2011 he was awarded the George Fortin Fit for Life Award.  He continued to swim into his 90’s. His greatest joy throughout his life was spending time with family and friends, particularly traveling around the world. After retiring, he enjoyed trips and cruises with senior centers. Jim could be found playing pitch several times a week. 

     Besides his wife he is survived by two sons; Mark Bush and his wife Maria Santana Bush , Gregg Bush and his wife Elaine, three daughters; Kathleen Bush and her wife Mary Ritchie , Jacqueline Flynn and her husband David, Eugenia Stevens and her husband Donald , seven grandchildren; Jennifer Buckley, Ryan and William Bush-Ritchie, Christina Bush, Tyearsky Ferguson, Connor and Kylie Flynn, two great grandchildren Brian and Caleb Buckley.  He is also survived by Jean’s children Eric and Angie Couto, Renee and Scott Cornell and Adam Couto, her seven grandchildren; EJ, Mia, Amanda, Dominic, Jared, Aiden and Natalia.  He was predeceased by a brother and only sibling Joseph Bush and leaves two nieces Barbara Herklotz and Diane Shreenan.

     His funeral will be held on Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect. St..  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery Marlborough.  Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St. Marlborough.

Memorial contributions can be made to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Office of Annual Giving, 100 Institute Rd. Worcester MA 01609.

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