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Tom M. Bush Jr.

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Georgia Tech

Tom Bush Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jul. 4 to Jul. 6, 2005.

BUSH Tom M. Bush Jr. a well known local businessman, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2005 surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born October 1, 1922 in Gretna, LA to Thomas Marvin and Edna Bufkin Bush. Tom studied aeronautical engineering and officer training at Mississippi Sate University and Georgia Tech before entering the Navy during World War II. He served as a lieutenant in the Pacific theatre and fought in the Battle of Okinawa. In 1944, while serving in the Navy, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Laura Alice Russ. She was his beloved wife and business partner for 54 years before her passing in 1998. After the war, inspired by his father's automotive business, Tom opened his first dealership selling NASH in Carlsbad, NM, and later added Chrysler and GMC before opening a Ford dealership in Hobbs, NM. In 1970, Tom opened a new VW dealership in Jacksonville at its present location. Over the years he added Mazda, BMW and Mini Cooper franchises. Tom was proud that the en tire family was involved in the business at various times. His son, John and 250 “family” of employees will continue the Tom Bush legacy for the third generation. Tom was past president of the Arlington Rotary Club, past president of the Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association and an avid golfer who sponsored many charitable golf events. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Gertrude and Dorothy. Tom is survived by his sons, Tom M. Bush III (Dolores), Tallahassee, FL, John P. Bush (Laurie), Atlantic Beach, FL, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and his loving, long-time girlfriend, Denise Kowkabany. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 5 from 6 - 8 PM at HARDAGE- GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. A Celebration of His Life will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 6 at Arlington Presbyterian Church, 1300 Sprinkle Drive, Jacksonville. He will be laid to rest in Laurel, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to either Highlands Presbyterian Church, 10900 McCormick Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 or the Mayo Clinic Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.Words of comfort may be shared with the family and a memorial movie of his life may be viewed at www.MEM.com . Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Recent Activity

July 10, 2005

Kevin & Wanda Mullane posted to the memorial.

July 7, 2005

angie tekin posted to the memorial.

July 6, 2005

Barbara Kogge Williams posted to the memorial.

15 Entries

Kevin & Wanda Mullane

July 10, 2005

Thomas & John & families,

We were sorry to hear of Mr. Bush's passing. Sometimes it seems like it was only yesterday that we were a part of the" Bush family", even though it was many years ago. It is sad that old friends do not keep in touch, and only come together at times of sadness. Bless you all!

Kevin & Wanda

angie tekin

July 7, 2005

what a wonderful man Tom was and i'm sorry that I only knew him for six years. He was a proud and generous ROTARIAN who believed and lived the FOUR WAY TEST. What an example of a fine man he was and what a dresser! he was the first man I ever met who could wear green leather shoes (Italian of course) for ST. Patricks' Day and be the envy of all! What an inspiration to live.......he will be truly missed, what an offering he laid on the altar of life. God bless him and his family.

Barbara Kogge Williams

July 6, 2005

Dear Family: My husband and I was deeply saddened by your father's passing. For many years, your father had a business contract with my family. We learned to respect him and shared his vision for the auto business. Please accept our sympathies.

Cortie Wetherill

July 6, 2005

My wife Janice were very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. Please know that our thoughts are with the family.

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Gaskins Darlene

July 6, 2005

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF GETTING TO KNOW HIM AND A NICE MAN HE WAS.I WILL MISS HIM BUT GOD WILL WELCOME HIM.PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.

Terri Clifford

July 5, 2005

I did not personally know Mr. Bush, but his granddaughter Tina was a childhood friend of mine. I just want to extend my condolences to the whole family...clearly he was a man loved by many. May God's peace comfort your hearts.

BOBBIE CASSITY-LAMBERT

July 5, 2005

MY HEART IS SAD...I WORKED FOR MR.B FOR ALMOST 6 YEARS..DURING THIS TIME HE TREATED ME AS THOUGH I WAS FAMILY.....HE IS ONE OF THE FINEST HUMAN BEINGS I HAVE EVER KNOWN...HE HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE IN MY THOUGHTS...A TRUE TREASURE TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM.... HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED....MY LOVE TO HIS FAMILY....

Sherri Diett

July 5, 2005

Mr. John Bush & family,

I was truly sadden to hear of "Mr. B's" passing.

He always took time to smile and say hello everytime he passed my desk.

My time spent with such a wonderful dealership as his was a great pleasure.

Howard Smithson

July 5, 2005

For 10 years it was an honor to work for Mr. Bush. I have never met a person in the car business as kind, honest and caring as he. The life lessons I learned from him I will cherish forever. May God bless his family and friends in this time of loss.

Will and Rosella Wright

July 5, 2005

We will miss Tom, who was a very kind and friendly man. We will also miss his wonderful penthouse parties.

Will and Rosella

ELLEN USSERY

July 5, 2005

FOR THE FAMILY & LOVE ONES OF MR. BUSH. I WAS A WAITRESS AT SELVA MARINA FOR OVER 10 YEARS. MR. BUSH WAS A NICE TO ME ALL THE YEARS I WAS THERE. HE WAS A SPECIAL PERSON.

HOPE GOD WILL HELP YOU ALL DEAL WITH YOUR LOSS.A FRIEND

Leigh Ann Rassler

July 5, 2005

I had the honor and priveledge of working for Mr. Bush for 12 years. I can never express my gratitude for all that I learned being part of his extended family, most importantly - customer service.

He and Laura have a special place in my heart. I fondly remember the wonderful Christmas parties we had every year and the people I met working at his dealerships. God Bless the entire Tom Bush Family.

a friend

July 5, 2005

farewell to a legend.

MARK HANSON

July 4, 2005

I had the pleasure of working 22 + years with one of the truly best bussiness men, and friend I ever knew. He will be missed dearly in the community and especialy with his extended family of employes's at all his dealerships.

Michael Austell

July 4, 2005

I had the priveledge of being a member of "Mister B's" extended family at the dealership for 2 1/2 years. During that time I came to understand the values that he passed down throughout his organization.

It was evident that he truly embodied the "Golden Rule" in dealing with employees and customers. Businessmen of this caliber are in short supply. He will be missed throughout the community.

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