James Busch, 76
James "Jim" Busch, 76, of Jordan, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at his home, sur- rounded by his family.
Jim was born on July 15, 1936, in Jordan, a son of John "Lefty" and Rose (Schommer) Busch. During his school days he enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball, and he was a lifelong resident of Jordan. He served in the United States Army following the Korean War, and he was a former volunteer for the Jor- dan Military Honor Guard. Jim married Rosemary Tikalsky on New Year's Eve day 1960, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. Jim's career included managing the Farm Bureau in Jordan, then owning and operating the Busch Farm Store in Jordan. He also worked in production at In- ternational Milling in New Prague. Following retire- ment, he was a supervisor at MysticLakefortheirparking lot security department. Sports were a big part of Jim's life. He threw two perfect games (10 years apart) for the Marystown baseball team. Jim later turned to softball, where he played and managed the Busch Farm Store team. In his later years, he turned to deer hunting, although he never deer hunted, but the guys needed a fourth person for cards, which also made him head chef of the deer camp. He enjoyed playing cards, planting flowers, mowing grass, Wheel of For- tune, Jeopardy, nickel poker at Mystic Lake, traveling up north and in his later years, golfing with his grandkids and the Wednesday Men's Senior League. His biggest joys were attending his grandchildren's activities and Sunday dinners with his fam- ily. One of Jim's loves was music, that included singing at all of his children's wed- dings and some of his grand- children's marriages. He was a lifelong member of the church choir.
He is survived by his wife of 51+ years; children Jean (Pete) Link, Shakopee, Mar- garet (Dennis) Hennen, Jor- dan, Connie (Mark) Gill, New Prague, James (Jenni- fer) Busch, New Prague, and Daniel (Jolene) Busch, New Prague; grandchildren James (Jessica) Link, Ryan Link, Christine (Jeff) Lucas, Laura (special friend Kyle Theis) Hennen, Lindsey Hennen, Adam Gill, Kayla (special friend Mike Bartusek) Gill, Luke Busch, Sarah Busch, Claire Busch, Audrey Busch, Will Busch, Erin Busch; great-granddaughter Leah Lucas; siblings Corinne Welch, Rochester, Gloria (Butch) Mamer, Jordan; Ver- non "Porky" (Kathryn) Busch, Shakopee; sisters-in- law Mary Jane Busch, Chas- ka, and Mamie Busch, Jor- dan; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Don- ald (Mary Lou) Busch, Roman (Frieda) Busch, Ger- ald Busch, Roger Busch; and brother-in-law Russ Welch.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, with Rev. Timothy Yanta officiating.
Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan, with full military honors provided by the Jordan Volunteer Rifle Squad. Pallbearers will be James Link, Ryan Link, Adam Gill, Luke Busch, Will Busch and Jeff Lucas.
Visitation was held Wed- nesday from 3 to 8 p.m., at the Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, and one hour prior to the Mass at church on Thursday.
