James (“James E”) Edwin Rush, 89 peacefully left for heaven on October 29, 2017.  Jim was born on September 12, 1928 in Wilmot, WI to Thomas and Josephine (Kamin) Rush.

He was set up on a date with a girl that his friend Charlie recommended.  They fell in love and were married on April 7, 1961.   That girl was Charlie’s sister. They had a collaborative and caring relationship based on mutual support and a deep love for each other.

Educated in Kenosha schools, Jim graduated from Mary D. Bradford in 1947.  He proudly served his country in the Korean War from 1950-1952 and was honorably discharged from the Army as Corporal.  He further served in the Army Reserve until 1957.

He was employed by American Motors and then the Kenosha Post Office as a Letter Carrier for 35 years retiring in 1989.  But wait just a minute, at Mary Lou’s urging, he worked part time at various companies until he decided 80 would be a good age to retire…. No matter what Mary Lou urged him to do.

Some of his favorite things - movies, jazz and country music, travel, casino trips, playing cards, bowling, spending time with family and friends, coin, stamp and cat figurine collecting, game shows, animals (had many pets over the years), avid Packers fan (even though there are BEARS fans in the family), the Brewers, and of course Mary Lou!

Jim was a member of Northside Bible church and actively volunteered in many events held there.  He was also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and an Elk.

He was generous, thoughtful, caring and kind, with a sly sense of humor.  He will be dearly missed by many friends and family!

Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou, sister Beverly McPherson, Kenosha, WI, brother Thomas Daggett, Carlsbad, CA, son Robert (Karen) Reich, Overland Park, KS, grandchildren  Bobbi (John) Wilson, Kenosha, WI, Rae-Ann (Jerry) Crowell, Ogilvie, MN, Danni (Andy) Hartnell, Mt. Pleasant, WI, Ronni (John) Alia, Kenosha, WI, their mother Janice Rondou, great-grandchildren Nathan and Brett Wilson, Alix (Joe) Sjodin, Hannah Crowell, Amber Donovan, Abbey, Johnny, Lauren and Joey Alia, three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by brothers Lloyd Kamin, George Rush and Wilbur Rush, sister Marie Hargett, son Daniel Louis Reich, and parents Thomas and Josephine (Rush) Daggett.

The family would like to thank the United Hospital System- Kenosha Campus, Meadowmere Southport, Hospice Alliance, Inc. and Brookside Care Center for their loving care and attention. 

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

Service Info

A Memorial Service honoring Jim’s life will begin with full military honors on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720-39th Ave., Kenosha, WI.