James Henry Bush's Obituary
James Henry Bush, age 93 of Goodlettsville, TN, passed away on January 28, 2026. His heart and spirit had passed 7 years earlier, when he lost the love of his life and wife of almost 70 years, Allene Bush. Since that day, he has been waiting anxiously to see her again.
Born May 26, 1932 in Orlinda, TN. James was the eldest son of a sharecropper. They were so poor that they “didn’t have two nickels to rub together”. He was always a loyal and hard worker; his earliest memories were of working to help support his family. He was driving a tow truck by the age of 14. He met his future wife at age 16 during a “ladies choice” kissing game at a weenie roast; she picked him first, and second and then for always.
James never had a drink of alcohol and he never smoked. He never left Allene’s side, until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. The only thing he ever discussed about Army life was “how much he missed his girl”.
James was a builder; he built strong relationships at his trucking job with the Teamsters. He loved to help people and people helped him in return. He built foundational relationships at Joywood Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. He helped build the church building and parts of Goodpasture Christian school, pro bono. He built houses and offices; but with his wife, Allene, he built his ultimate source of pride… his family.
Nothing in this world meant more to him than his family, his son, Larry, was always his best friend. He hated “No Good Peckerwoods” and “Welfare Democrats”. He loved Ronald Reagan and both Bushes. He never met a sugary treat that he didn’t like; He never threw anything away, even if it was broken. He never, ever said an unkind word about a friend or a member of his family.
He was the best friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather that a person could ever have. Today, the world is lesser and Heaven has become even greater.
He is survived by one son, Dr. James Larry Bush (Cindia); one daughter, Sherry Boykin (Howard); four grandchildren, Dr. Allen Bush (Laura), Michelle Bush, Melissa Wells (Thomas), Rebecca Doyle (TJ); eight great-grandchildren: Jalen and Brody All, Dominic and Alex Wells, Xander and Gunnar Bush, Benaiah and Adaline Doyle; four siblings: Mary Pearson, Earline Stevens, Jerry Bush, and Jesse Bush.
Proceeded in Death by his wife, Allene Bush; his parents James and Lula Mae Bush; siblings Mildred Brown, Callie Mae Pearson, and Johnny Bush.
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