James W. "Jim" Bushée

Born in Lancaster, Ohio, James “Jim” Bushée spent his formative years on a dairy farm. The son of Lloyd Adolphus Bushée and Harriett Elizabeth Lutz, he shared many stories about life on the farm, including tales of early driving escapades—hinted at by his father’s observations of increased tractor fuel use. Jim also had a lifelong passion for music, which began in elementary school when he took up the baritone. His talent led to memorable performances, including playing for President Eisenhower at the Valley Forge National Jamboree and later at the World Jamboree in Austria. Throughout his school years at North Elementary and Lancaster High, Jim remained a dedicated member of the school bands, continually honing his musical skills and deepening his love for performance.

After high school, Jim enrolled at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, where the friendships he forged would remain influential throughout his life. However, his father’s untimely death in 1956 compelled him to return home to manage the family farms. Once life on the farm had stabilized, Jim recalled a rare summer conversation with his father—during which he was encouraged to pursue engineering. Acting on that advice, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio State University in 1964. While at Ohio State, he also nurtured his passion for music by joining the Ohio State Marching Band, affectionately known as TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band in the Land). He proudly performed with the band at the 1955 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game and was an active member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

While attending Ohio State University, Jim met his future wife, Carole. They married shortly after her graduation in 1962, embarking on a devoted partnership spanning 62 years. Jim epitomized the roles of romantic and gentleman throughout their life together, consistently opening doors for Carole and holding her hand until his final days.

Jim’s commitment to service was evident from his early days in the Ohio National Guard, where he earned the rank of Second Lieutenant and later commanded several units. His military service allowed him to forge numerous lasting professional relationships.

Jim’s career trajectory changed when he joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an airport engineer. His work initially covered Ohio, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania and expanded significantly following the Environmental Protection Act. In 1970, Jim relocated his family to Vienna, Virginia, to work more closely with airport stakeholders in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia to ensure environmentally sensitive development.

When Senator Robert Byrd advocated for improved accessibility for West Virginia’s airports, Jim was appointed to lead a newly established District office in Beckley, West Virginia. The family moved to Beckley for two years, and his adept management and strong community relations skills were instrumental in the successful development of the airport in Beckley.

He continued serving in the Army Reserve until he retired as Colonel in 1989, applying his environmental expertise to aid the Corps of Engineers with waterway management and beach restoration. Upon retiring from the FAA after nearly two decades in Washington, Jim’s legacy of commitment and professionalism persisted. As a finale to his professional career, Jim returned to work in Jakarta, Indonesia, aiding the Indonesian government with improving airport standards and supporting U.S. economic trade policies until political instability forced him to come home. Living and traveling abroad during these two years, halfway around the world, was a highlight of Jim’s career. He and Carole made wonderful new friends and had terrific expat adventures.

Beyond his professional life, Jim was a fervent skier and Scout leader, instilling a love of the outdoors in his son and grandsons, who all achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He, Carole, and some of his closest friends founded the Downhill Ski and Cross-Country Club, enjoying adventures on snowy trails into his seventies.

In his later years, he enjoyed spending half his time in Bonita Springs, FL, as a member of the Shadow Wood community. Bonita Beach, the Turtle Club, and the Royal Scoop were must-visits when family, especially the grandchildren, came down. A devout member of Wesley Methodist Church in Vienna and an Associate member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida, Jim’s faith profoundly influenced his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carole; his son, Doug Bushée, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer; his daughter, Cheryl Fyock, and son-in-law, Brian; his grandchildren, Jacob, Curtis, Gillian, Quinton, and Ava; his sister, Mary Elizabeth Hitt, and her husband, Joe; his brother, Norman Bushée, and his wife, Barbara; and his sister-in-law, Ann. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene, and granddaughter, Sarah.

Memorial services for Jim will be held at 11:00 AM on March 8, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vienna, VA. The family invites friends and relatives to a visitation at 10:00 AM, one hour before. A reception will immediately follow, where guests are encouraged to share stories and memories of Jim.

Jim’s family invites you to honor his memory by praying for a better world for our grandchildren, reflecting his enduring dedication to future generations. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to Smiles from Sarah, a charity established in memory of his beloved granddaughter, Sarah.

The memorial service can be viewed via livestream by clicking the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/4960703/7b9b1e527d