March 1946 - June 2022 Jim Bussey passed away on June 28, 2022 with his dear friend Mary Louise by his side. Jim was born on March 18, 1946 in Oklahoma to Jim and Faye (Stafford) Bussey Sr. His family moved to California when he was six years old. He graduated from Montclair High School in 1964 and joined the Navy. From 1964-1968 he served in the Construction Battalion (Seabees) Division on the USS Jason 7th Fleet (Sea Service) and Camp Tien Sha, Da Nang, Vietnam (Combat Land Forces). Jim completed two tours in Vietnam and continued to serve in the Naval Reserve from 1968-1970. In addition to an honorable discharge, Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/ Battle Campaign Star), and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After military service, Jim attended Chaffey College where he was elected Associated Student Body President, played football, and earned an AA Degree in merchandizing. He continued his education and graduated from Pasadena Nazarene College. He enjoyed his sales career of forty-five years including: Western Regional Sales Manager of Converse, National Sales Manager of U.S. Shoes, and the last 16 years as National Sales Manager of Apis Footwear where he designed and marketed medical footwear. His career allowed him to travel all 50 States, Canada and China, making many life-long friendships along the way. During retirement, he was instrumental in founding a medical foam company. Jim was a sports enthusiast of football, golf, and horse racing. He looked forward to spending every Saturday at the Santa Anita Race Track or Derby Room with his buddies, Robert and Jose. Generous by nature, Jim always gave a sizable portion of his winnings to the church. A farmer at heart, Jim loved his cat Calico, enjoyed feeding the chickens, giving carrots to the horses, and sharing his annual abundant harvest of tomatoes and lemons from his garden with neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon Bussey, and niece Tessa Williams. He is survived by his sister Betty, and her husband, Steve Williams and their sons, Steve (Maria) Williams Jr., and Rick (Kirstin) Williams, sister-in-law Denise and her daughters, Heide (Jim )Theis, Tara (David) Edens, Wendee (Ken) LeFebvre, many grandnieces/nephews, great-grandnieces/nephews, and his extended family of close friends. Jim was a devout Christian and will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery with military honors on July 18, 2022 at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Agent Orange-Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

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Published by Daily Bulletin on Jul. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Bussey

Sponsored by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

1 Entry

Jim Vidal

July 10, 2022

I first met Jim at Vernon Jr, High School, we played flag football there and we were also teammates on the Montclair High School football team. We worked together at Ozzie's Oasis and in the summer of 1964, we joined the Navy together. He never told me if his mom was as upset as mine was when she had to sign the papers because we were both under 18. He often invited me to his home where I met his parents, brother Gordon and sister Betty. Mr. and Mrs. Bussey made me feel at home and I was always invited to stay for dinner. We went to boot camp at the RTC in San Diego, for 3 months. I was sent across the road to the Naval Training Center, Jim was sent overseas. We had to grow up quickly. In the end, it was probably the best thing we did at the time.
We had fun working and playing ball together. I remember his 1969 Chevy with the 350 engine, in which we cruised on Bonito St and on Gary Blvd in Pomona. I ran into Jim at an airport, he was going to San Francisco or Sacramento, I was off to another state on an extradition trip. We agreed to meet later in an Ontario for dinner and exchanged many of our new adventures. Jim always had a smile and loved to "exchange" ideas with others and tease them to no end. I wish we could have met again in our later years to share our past adventures. He did very well in his chosen professional life and it appears he was a good son, brother and friend to many. His passing has brought back many memories, no regrets, and adventures with a very good friend. Thanks for the memories Jim. Rest in peace my friend. My deepest sympathy to Betty and his extended family and friends. He still had that mischievous smile!

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