John Adams Rush Jr.

1952 - 2025

John Adams Rush, Jr.

May 15, 1952 - March 30, 2025

Urich, Missouri - It is with deep sadness that the family of John A. Rush, Jr., announces his passing. John, born on May 15, 1952, died at his home in Urich, Missouri, on Sunday morning, March 30, at the age of 72. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and trusted friend to all.

John is survived by his two children, shared with his former wife, Patsy Bruce Rush. His children's families include his son, Christopher A. Rush, his wife (Jessica Rush), and their daughters (Madeline Rush and Juliana Rush); and his daughter, Jessie A. Hinds, her husband (William "Billy" Hinds), and their three sons (Liam Hinds, Chase Hinds and Blake Hinds). He leaves behind his devoted partner, Deborah ("Debbie") A. Edwards, who had been his steady source of love and strength. He is also survived by his three siblings, Elizabeth Adams Rush, Catherine Rush Thompson, and Richard Adams Rush, their families, and his extended family, including the Millers and Clearys. All will miss him deeply.

John was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and baptized at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, where he served as an acolyte in his youth and worshipped with his family in adulthood. John attended William Cullen Bryant Elementary School and Southwest High School. Upon his high school graduation, John joined the Air Force Reserves. As a Vietnam-era veteran, John served 6 years at Richards Gebaur Air Force Base in Belton, Missouri. After his service, he attended local colleges for additional coursework and developed his woodworking skills.

John became a gifted woodworker who, at an early age, won an international award for craftsmanship at its finest. He later designed and built customized cabinetry, furniture, and homes for family, friends, and clients. With his carpentry knowledge and conscientious effort, John was able to obtain the best goods and negotiate the best prices for his customers at Bunting Hardware, Cisco Tool Inc., Faeth Iron Company, and Shaw Supply Company.

John's generous spirit led to his reputation as the person to call when you needed help. A jack of all trades, John helped anyone in need without expecting anything in return. He delighted in making life for others special. On the 4th of July, John led the effort to put together firework displays that drew audiences from near and far. Upon his daughter's request for her high school graduation celebration, John roasted an entire pig. His willingness to celebrate life to its fullest, along with his unique sense of humor, could bring smiles and laughter into every situation. That was John's way.

John's deep passions focused on his family. He devoted considerable time supporting his children at soccer championships, swimming meets, and basketball games. He relished going to the family farm to hunt deer, turkeys, and ducks. Family, friends, and his loyal Labrador retrievers (Rowdy, Cody, Tucker, and Stella) eagerly joined John at the family farm to camp out, hunt, fish, and chill. The family farm was John's place to relax, hike through wooded areas, and listen to the sounds of nature. This place became John's revered home shared with his partner, Debbie.

Anyone who knew John would tell you that he was humble, kind, patient, generous, honest, caring, and funny. He also had a deep respect for his heritage. His parents met in Paris, France, during World War II, and John honored this legacy by touring Europe and incorporating the French culture into his life. He was a quiet romantic, a witty comic, a generous soul, and a man whose wisdom informed his actions and view of the world. John's motto in life was: "Just do the right thing." John always did. That was John's way.

John loved nature. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Missouri Department of Conservation (https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/donate), helping the Department provide Missourians with more conservation lands, programs, and education for generations to come.