James C. Rushing

1938 - 2025

James C. Rushing

October 12, 1938 - October 20, 2025

State College, Pennsylvania - James C. Rushing, passed away peacefully at Foxdale Village from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA to parents Frank Rushing and Viola Clarke Rushing. The family later moved to Buffalo, NY-which he considered his hometown.

He graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in engineering physics. While at Cornell, he really enjoyed working at radio station WVBR – as an engineer – not a DJ. At Cornell he was also part of the Army ROTC.

In 1962 while on summer vacation in Sherkston, Ontario, Canada – Jim met Judith Boyer (also from Buffalo). They married the following summer and headed to Fort Huachuca, Arizona for Jim to serve out his Army commitment. During this time, they welcomed their daughter, Heather. The family then moved to State College where Jim had been hired to work at HRB Singer (later known as Raytheon). Subsequently, Jim's job was transferred to Reston, VA and the family moved to Fairfax, VA where their son Mike was born. While in Virginia, Jim earned his master's degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University. In 1975, Jim's job was transferred back to State College where he worked until he retired. In 2019, his wife Judy and he moved to Foxdale Village.

Jim was patient, understated, curious and vastly knowledgeable on a wide range of topics. His children never witnessed him swear, yell, or lose his patience. He enjoyed "characters" and accepted people and their quirks-whether at work or in his social life.

Jim had a variety of interests including all things family related, faithfully attending Penn State basketball games (and never leaving early) with season tickets he had for decades, golfing at Centre Hills, reading, history, attending Olli classes of all kinds, and of course socializing with his wife Judy and their friends.

Because his father lived to be 102, the family thought Jim would also live forever. Unfortunately, life did not turn out that way. At the age of 70 he had to get a triple bypass and a year later he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. There was a period where he seemed depressed about his situation, but he got past that and spent the rest of his days as the positive and optimistic person that he was. With advanced dementia near the end, conversation was often difficult, but he was pleasant and smiled for his family. The staff at Foxdale's Anthony House were very compassionate in the care they provided to Jim. Mike was a regular fixture at Anthony House and that gave the rest of the family (especially Heather) great comfort.

Jim's beloved wife Judy pre-deceased him in 2022. He is survived by his son Mike Rushing as well as Mike's daughters Chloe Rushing and Mia Rushing. In addition, he is survived by his daughter Heather Rushing Whalen (husband Mike Whalen) and her sons Chris Child and Matt Child. He is also survived by his brother Vernon Rushing (wife Betty) and his sister Mary Jane Rushing Cooper (husband Ken) as well as nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will take place later. Memorial contributions may be made to https://give.michaeljfox.org.