Ralph James Bushelle

R. James "Jim" Bushelle, 91, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in his home surrounded by family.

He was born on November 23, 1934 in Freeport, IL, the son of Ralph and Eleanor (Bloom) Bushelle. Jim was a Aquin High School graduate. He married Esther Stearns on July 10, 1954 in Freeport, IL. She predeceased him on November 22, 2025.

Jim was formerly employed by Warner Electric until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church; where he was active in the Hannah House and House sales as well as past President of the Church Council. Jim was a former member of the Cosmopolitan.

Survivors include his children, Debra Fairman, James (Terri) Bushelle and Jennifer (David) Canik; grandsons, Jacob (Haley) Canik and Lucas Canik; great grandsons, Kenneth and Isaac; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Bushelle.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Leona Rohde and Lucille Mowery; brothers, Robert Bushelle and John Bushelle; and son-in-law, Marshall Fairman.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Beloit Regional Hospice for the excellent care they provided Jim.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 in St. Thomas Catholic Church, 824 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, WI, with Fr. Bart Timmerman officiating. A Private Family Burial will be in Mt. Thabor Cemetery. Visitation of Remembrance will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to Beloit Regional Hospice or St. Thomas Catholic Church.