John "Gary" Bush

Obituary for John 'Gary' Bush ‘65 July 2, 1943 – February 25, 2026 John 'Gary' Bush ’65 of College Station, TX, affectionately known as 'Big Boy', peacefully passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 82.

Gary was born on July 2, 1943, in Muskegon, Michigan, during WWII, to the late John Sibert and Bernice Helen (Koss) Bush. He was the oldest of four boys, a brother to David Charles, Thomas Alex of Montgomery, TX, and James Robert. He often recounted memories of his childhood in Michigan and time spent with his grandparents and cousins before moving to Texas in 1953.

A 1961 graduate of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas, Gary played on the school's basketball team. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At Texas A&M, he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets, Class of '65, in Squadron 5 and Squadron 8 — forever a Fightin’ Texas Aggie and especially proud of his family's Aggie Legacy, with his two children and four grandchildren attending his Alma Mater.

For more than 50 years, Gary made lasting contributions in the power generation industry, living and working internationally while earning respect as a leader in his field before retirement. His long career was defined by expertise, integrity, and a willingness to help others. He valued the opportunities and experiences his family had while living and traveling abroad.

Gary and his wife, Jimmie Carole (York) of Houston, Texas, shared 61 years of marriage. Other family members include his daughter, Angela Florian ‘25 and husband Dr. Mark Florian ‘90 of College Station, TX; and his son, John Gary Bush, Jr. 'Jay' ‘03, and wife Karen of Tiki Island, TX, with Jay sharing his father's birthday.

He was a devoted grandfather to Christopher Florian and wife Shari' of College Station, TX; Rachael Benden ‘16 and husband Justin ‘16 of College Station, TX; James Florian ‘21 and wife Mary Grace of Bryan, TX; and Jacob and Elijah Bush ‘29 of Tiki Island, TX. To them, he was always Big Boy, a name spoken with love, pride, and deep affection. Gary's greatest joy was his five great-grandchildren: Gavyn Carr, Elise Benden, Jade Florian, Delilah Benden, and Henry Benden, all of College Station, TX.

Gary had a profound love of life and for family and friends and maintained many lifelong friendships across the globe. He enjoyed watching Westerns and World War II shows, time spent fishing with family, and family gatherings. His pride as an American and for his beloved Aggies was evident to all who knew him. A devoted Christian, he studied the Bible throughout his life and even pastored a church in Maracaibo, Venezuela, while working there in the mid-1990s. Until his illness, he was an active member of Christ Church in College Station.

Family and friends will remember Gary for his storytelling, sense of humor, sentimentality, and boundless generosity. He was a competent handyman, always ready to fix anything, and he humbly described himself as "a jack of all trades, master of none."

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, David Charles Bush and James Robert Bush.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm, at Christ Church in College Station, Texas, followed by a reception to honor his memory. A private interment will take place later in 2026. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may send cards and florals to Jimmie Carole Bush at their home address or later to the Celebration of Life service.