James Franklin Rushe III

James Franklin Rushe III, known affectionately as Jim to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, in Clarksville, Maryland. Born on May 19, 1937, in Washington, DC, Jim lived a full and blessed life, marked by his enduring faith, love for his family, and a successful career. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and steadfastness that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Jim was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Ann (Blurton) Rushe, with whom he married on October 23, 1956, and shared 69 years of love and devotion. Together, they raised three children: sons James F. Rushe IV, David W. Rushe, and daughter Laura E. (Rushe) Demers, married to Thomas Demers. Jim's role as a grandfather brought him immense joy, and he was proud of his grandchildren David W. Rushe Jr., James Rushe V, Jennifer Rushe, Rebekah Rushe, Thomas N. Demers III, Kelly Rushe, and Jack Demers. He was blessed to welcome his great-grandson, James Rushe VI and took great pride in seeing his family legacy continue. Jim was predeceased by his sister Gloria Craddock.

After graduating from Northwestern High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, he married his bride of 69 years Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Blurton. After a six-year stint serving our country, he made the decision to embark on a varied and successful career. He was a respected entrepreneur in the mechanical contracting industry and also took pride in owning and operating an air compressor business. Jim's dedication to service was a testament to his character and his commitment to the values he held dear.

Jim's Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was an active and devoted member of Burntwoods Church, formerly known as Gethsemane Baptist Church, in Glenelg. His faith in God was unwavering, and it guided him in all his endeavors, including his commitment to helping others. Jim's compassion and generosity were limitless, and he touched the lives of many through his charitable works and personal interactions.

An outdoorsman at heart, Jim relished the time he spent hunting, fishing, golfing, and trap shooting. He had a keen interest in the stock market and enjoyed following its trends and investing wisely. However, Jim's greatest passion was his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose greatest joy came from the time spent with his loved ones.

His family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville, Maryland where a funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Marriottsville, Maryland.

Those desiring may make memorial donations to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com