James Bussard 1934-2012

BUSSARD, James F. Sr. 78, of Springfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 21, 2012. He was born on February 25, 1934, the son of the late Harold E. and Pauline E. (Nave) Bussard.

Jim attended Springfield schools before joining the United States Navy in 1952. He served on the USS DeHaven DD-727 for 3 years in Korea and the South Pacific.

After being honorably discharged in 1955, he returned to Springfield and operated a Standard Oil Service Station, worked for Cascade, Sweet Manufacturing and then International Harvester where he retired from in 1996.

Jim coached Pee Wee football for 17 years and enjoyed seeing the boys and one girl develop their skills and become responsible for attending the practices and football games. He was a mason in the Anthony Lodge #455. Jim was also a member of First Christian Church and loved serving the Lord through the church for many years. He was a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan and an extremely patriotic man. He helped organize support for troops overseas and their families at his church. Jim was a likable and friendly person whom many people loved to joke with.

Living to remember that he was a loving husband is his wife Pat (Walls) and a wonderful father to his daughter, Darlene (Roger) Cottrell and grandfather to Rebekah Ahrens and her children, Riana and Steven and Kathryn Shockey and her daughter Kayleana. A wonderful father to his son, James Bussard Jr. and grandfather to Jeffrey Bussard (Fiancé, Jessica), Brittany Bussard and Dylan Williams. He also leaves behind a brother, Jack King; special nephews, David Leffel and Michael Morris; his wife's family whom loved him dearly and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his sister, Carol Morris and brother-in-law, Gene Morris; sister, Louise McCoy; brothers, Ralph and Warren King and their spouses; and nephew, Bobby Leffel.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.jacksonlytle.com.