George Cushing

George Cushing

George R. Cushing was born in the fall of 1945 in Bloomington, Illinois, to George and Marijane Cushing. Raised in a bustling home with seven siblings, he spent his childhood surrounded by laughter, loyalty, and the kind of adventures that shaped the core of who he would become. It was an idyllic upbringing steeped in Midwestern values and the kind of grit that cannot be taught - only lived.

From a young age, it was clear George wasn't meant for the ordinary. He was a force - bold, brilliant, and unyielding. A hunter, a problem solver, a world traveler, and a man who seemed made of iron and heart in equal parts. Whether facing great challenges or pushing forward when others would have quit, George lived by the same mantra: The 5 P's - Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance. To him, failure was never an option.

After serving his country as a submariner in the United States Navy, George returned to Illinois to begin his distinguished career in law enforcement. He graduated first in his class at the police academy - a proud moment made even more meaningful as he began his career working side-by-side with his father, Sergeant George W. Cushing, as a young trooper. From those early days, George blazed a path upward, rising through the ranks to become Commander of Illinois State Police, District Six. He wore the badge with pride, honor, and an unwavering sense of duty.

To some, he was "Captain Cushing." But if you really knew him - if he let you into that inner circle - you got to call him "Jorge". And to us, he was simply "Pappy / Papa / Jorgito." He was the beating heart of our family - the nucleus around which we all orbited. He adored his wife of 55 years, Linda, (Schneider) his "Sweetest Sing" - a nickname that captures the melody of their love story. Together, they built a home filled with deep devotion, inside jokes, affectionate nicknames, and the kind of connection that rarely needs words. Her resolve in caring for him to the very end was a testament to the love of her life - he had an angel on earth in her.

His daughters, Kim "Bimmer" and Jenny "Punky" were his pride and joy. His grandchildren were his greatest delight- Jacob, his "Main Man", granddaughter Jaden "Birdie" and grandson Jack "Milty", each one holding a special place in his enormous heart. George is also survived by his siblings Sally, Bob, Mary, Carol, and Tony - each of whom shared in the bond and legacy that only a family like his could understand. He leaves behind a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom were touched by his warmth, strength, and classic one-liners or "Papaisms".... if you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.

On May 9, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease, George Cushing left this world with the same dignity and resolve with which he lived, his head held high. He is reunited with his parents, his brother Raymond, sister Theresa, and his beloved daughter, Baby Girl.

Though the ache of his absence is deep, we find comfort in knowing that he is once again on the move-roaming fields where the elk run free, seeking the next great horizon, eyes wide with wonder and his soul finally at peace. Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn-out, shouting, "Holy S$&! What a Ride!"

In lieu of a funeral, we will gather to celebrate George's life on his 80th birthday, October 25, 2025, with joy and a Miller Lite, the only way he would have it. Details to be announced.