Conrad James "Jim" Bush

One of six siblings, Jim grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, excelling in football, basketball and music. After honorably serving his country in the US Navy, Jim received an Associates Degree in Accounting from Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio and soon after, began working for NCR in Dayton. In 1971, Jim received the opportunity to begin a new sales office and moved his young family from Dayton to Charlotte, NC where the Bushes began attending Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, originally located on Shenandoah Avenue. Jim’s four children matriculated through both Our Lady of the Assumption and Charlotte Catholic High School. In 1986, Jim and his wife Gail moved to Mint Hill and immediately participated as one of the founding families in St. Luke’s Parish.

Jim’s passions were simple: faith, family, friends. He exhibited his faith through countless ways both at Assumption and St. Luke’s through volunteer participation as a lector, usher, Eucharistic Minister and as a youth sports coach. Jim’s love of music coupled with his desire to give back, also led to his involvement in supporting the choir at Our Lady of the Assumption and a role in the establishment of multiple choirs at St Luke’s. Jim also counseled and supported hundreds of young Charlotte Catholics by volunteering to act as a Catholic School Board member and by serving as a substitute teacher after his retirement.

Jim’s most treasured activities in his retirement have been following the busy lives of his beloved grandchildren. The energy of his grandkids has kept Jim involved and active, and their collective support during Jim’s recent decline in health, has been invaluable and is indicative of Jim’s influence on them as their grandfather.

Jim’s closest friends provided him with a wonderful balance to his full life. Beyond the fact that during his professional life, Jim made thousands of lasting friendships, his most valuable friendships were created by his involvement with church. In fact, as Jim’s recent health started to limit his mobility, one of his final trips outside his home was to join his best buddies from the St. Luke’s Friday Night Poker Group for one last night of cards.

Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Catherine Haluska of Cleveland, OH, Mary Ethel Brentar of Cleveland, OH, and Helen McDaniel of Painesville, OH, and by his brother, Walter Bush of Willowick, OH.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail Bush of Mint Hill, NC; his daughters, Mary (Reynolds) Lisk of Asheboro, NC and Molly (Fred) Corley of Fort Mill, SC; his sons, Steve (Jennifer) Bush of Charlotte, NC and Scott (Lyn) Bush of High Point, NC. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren: Tyler and Laura Lisk of Asheboro, NC; Jake, Josh and Ian Corley of Fort Mill, SC, and Claire Bush of Charlotte, NC. Jim is also survived by his brother Jerry (Janie) Bush of Fort Wayne, IN.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill. A memorial mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, at Saint Luke Catholic Church in Mint Hill.

The Bush family would like to note the efforts of our mother, Gail Bush, as she cared for Jim during his final weeks. She served as a rock of consistency, and we are humbled by her faith, resilience, compassion and love. The Bush Family also asks that any donations or gifts be directed to St. Luke’s Catholic Church for their unwavering prayers and support. Finally, the Bush Family would like to thank all our father’s medical caregivers, with special thanks being extended to Jim’s Hospice caregivers for their loving, professional care during his most difficult days.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, North Carolina.