James (Jimmie, Jim) Busch

Jim was born into a multigenerational Ukiah Valley family. The first of four children, his birth was followed by 3 sisters.  All were born, grew up and went to school in Ukiah.  Jim was very active in athletics, especially at an early age.  He was a shortstop on the Ukiah High School baseball team all four years.  His senior year he quarterbacked the football team to the only undefeated, untied season in Ukiah High School’s history. He continued at Santa Rosa Junior College and was the shortstop in the Bear Cubs California 1952 state championship. From there, Jim enrolled in Oregon State University – Pharmacy School.  He graduated in 1958 from OSU and completed his apprenticeship at Medico Drug in Ukiah.

Jim and Evelyn (Zachary) were married in 1960 and raised 4 daughters.   Jim is survived by his daughters: Cynthia Chapman, Cathleen Kucz (Richard), Carolyn Stewart (Bruce), Cheryl Hart (Doug) and 8 grandchildren.

The working years took the developing family to the San Jose area, Davis and eventually back to Ukiah and the Rexall Drug Store.  Jim eventually joined pharmacists Don West and Bill Harris and became a partner in the 2 stores – Ukiah and Willits – named Harris Pharmacy. He retired from business in 1992 and remained in Ukiah for the rest of his life.

After retirement, he traveled to many countries, went on numerous cruises and took trips in his motor home.  He often reminisced about these happy and fun years. Jim, having grown up in Ukiah, was very proud of the area. He treasured his many friends and they continued to meet monthly for lunch. They affectionately referred to themselves as “the ROMEOs” – (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Finally, Jim resided at Brookside Retirement Residence in Ukiah, where he was happy and content.  A man who loved food but didn’t like to cook, he was thrilled about being served 3 meals a day without having to be concerned about cooking.

Jim was committed to giving back to the community he loved, making generous donations to Ukiah Valley Medical Center, Mendocino Community College, Shriners Children’s Hospital, the Ukiah Senior Center, for the future construction of a new center to be named “James Busch Hall”, and numerous other organizations.     

He is preceded in death by his father, James E. Busch (former District Attorney and State Senator), mother, Naomi and his three sisters, Janice, Judy and Jill.

In lieu of flowers please make donations, in Jim’s name, to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 or Ukiah Senior Center, 499 Leslie St., Ukiah, CA 95482.