James R. Bushaw

James R. Bushaw

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend, James Richard Bushaw, 70, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 16, 2013.

Jim was born June 20, 1942, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to James and Bonita (Bellman) Bushaw. He graduated from Oslo High School in 1960 and then worked in construction before beginning a life-long career in farming. On June 16, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Campbell, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Manvel, North Dakota.

Jim and Maxine lived in the Oslo area for many years before moving their family in 1979 to the rural Manvel farm which is the original homestead of his great-grandfather, William O'Keefe. In addition to farming, he owned "Jim's Fairway" grocery store in Oslo for five years.

He loved reading, especially books about history. He enjoyed many hunting and snowmobiling adventures with great friends. He also spent over 15 years raising Appaloosa horses, which included National and World Champions. Throughout his life, he was a devoted and fun-loving Dad and Grandpa, always making time for his children, grandchildren and all of their activities. Throughout his battle with cancer and related health issues, he remained as active as he could with farm duties, even becoming head-chef of the "Bushaw Cafe" cooking lunches for the boys.

Jim possessed the gift of being able to make a friend wherever he went, striking up conversations easily with anyone. He loved to hear and tell stories of funny moments and mishaps. He could laugh himself to tears, even if the story was being told for the hundredth time.

Jim was a very kind and gentle soul, had a generous and loving heart and was always giving to others. His faith in God never wavered even through the most difficult trials.

He leaves memories to be cherished by his wife of 50 years, Maxine, Manvel, ND; his children, Tim, Manvel, ND, Kerry (Don) Bacon, Manvel, ND, Erin (Jim) Light, Devils Lake, ND, Beth (Dave) VanEngelenhoven, Bemidji, MN; nine grandchildren, Scott, Brianna and Matt Bacon, Kayla Babinski, Brantley and Olivia Light, Sam, Cody and Lola VanEngelenhoven; mother, Bonita Bushaw; brothers, Roy, Ray (Jane), Tom (Karen), Robert (Joy), Ronnie (Joyce), Don (Gina) and John (Annette); sisters, Bonnie (Bob) Hoverson, Rosemary (Don) Larson, Brenda (Craig) Erickson; uncle, Ardell Bushaw as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James J. Bushaw; mother-in-Law and father-in-Law, Adelaide and Max Campbell; brother-in-Law, Bud Campbell.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. with a 4:30 recitation of the Rosary and 7 p.m. vigil service at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Manvel. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in St. Timothy's Catholic Cemetery in Manvel in the spring.

The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com

(The Historic Norman Funeral Home, 2950 South Washington Street, Grand Forks, ND)

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook (1 comment)

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions