James Rush

Jim Rush was born July 3, 1946, in New Harmony, Indiana, to Elvis and Evelyn (Reeves) Rush and passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at his residence in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 65.

During his younger years his family moved from Indiana and lived in several places before settling in Atlantic, Iowa, as Jim entered his teenage years. Jim attended Atlantic High School graduating with the class of 1966. He later met and married Violet Christensen on August 23, 1968, in Audubon, Iowa.


Jim worked as a truck driver until his health prohibited him from being on the road. He then worked as a park ranger, as well as a farmer, eventually becoming a farmer full time. He farmed with his good friend Mel Tessman for the last 20 plus years.


Jim enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting and racing in his spare time. His favorite moments were when he was with his children and grandchildren. Jim was also a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents; mother and father-in-law, Nels and Anna Christensen; grandson, Skylar Rush; brother-in-law, Dallas Christensen; and sister-in-law, Erma Christensen Jensen.

Those surviving Jim are his wife, Violet of Atlantic, IA; his son, Randy Rush of Knoxville, TN; his daughters, Tammy (Shane) DeBord of Atlantic, IA and Cindy (Jason) Hackwell of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Kaisa Rush of Hamburg, IA, Valerie Watson and Catherine DeBord of Atlantic, IA, and Tavien and Braxton Hackwell of Omaha, NE; brothers, Harold (Shirley) Rush of Randolph, IA and Wayne (Barb) Rush of Walnut, IA; sisters, Nancy (Roger) Davis of Atlantic, IA, Elizabeth (Chuck) Goodwater of El Dorado, MO and Marlene (Preston) Duke of Minot, ND; brother-in-law, Robert (Maralyn) Christensen of Cherokee, IA; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Don) Lebeck of Audubon, IA, Marge (Galen) Hansen of Exira, IA and Doris Christensen of Audubon, IA; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 30, 2011, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic.


Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2011, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Iowa. Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.