James TushPittsburg, KS

James W. Tush, age 76, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

A Life Well Lived

Born on June 6, 1948, in Garnett, Kansas, James William Tush was the first of three children born to William John Tush and Roberta Louise (White) Tush. He graduated from Garnett High School in 1966. In July of 1969, James married Susan Penn. Together, they began their lives in Wichita, where James worked for the City of Wichita.

Drafted into the US Army in 1971, James served as a Military Police Officer until his honorable discharge in 1973. Following his service, he returned to Wichita and the City of Wichita. James then pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree from Wichita State University in 1987. Throughout his 30-year career with the City of Wichita, James worked in the wastewater department, retiring as the superintendent. In his retirement years, he continued to work as a consultant, including on the construction of the Iola, Kansas wastewater treatment facility.

A Man of Many Passions

James had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting expeditions, with memorable trips to Canada and Colorado in pursuit of bear, moose, and elk. He also cherished time spent on his farm, whether tinkering around or taking tours to spot deer. When not immersed in nature, James loved spending time with his grandchildren, sharing his love of the outdoors, stories and laughter. He was known for his quick wit, always had a joke ready, and those who knew him well will remember his distinctive whistling. Fishing off of the low water bridge and hunting on the family farm will not be the same without James.

Loved by Many

James was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Gary Lynn Tush. He is survived by his daughters, Sarah Johnson and Tim Johnson of Wichita, Kansas, and Stacie Tush of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren, Nate Johnson, Grace Johnson, Allison Johnson, Emery Tush, and Piper Tush; five great-grandchildren, Charles, Louella, Hazel, Stetson, and one expected any day now; and his sister, Cathy Kee of Tiffin, Iowa.

James was also able to spend several years enjoying the company of Tammy Nagel of Pittsburg, Kansas. After a house fire at the farm, James moved to Pittsburg but made countless trips back to Garnett to keep up with the farm, friends, and the Garnett gossip.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. James' family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Fuller-Thompson American Legion Post #48 and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.

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