James “Jim” Wesley Hush, 79, Chanute, lost his courageous battle with cancer Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at his home.

Jim was born Dec. 11, 1931, at McCune, a son of Melvin O. and Ella Turney Hush. After graduation from McCune High School in 1951, he worked for the KCS Railroad, then the Kansas Highway Department. He completed two years at Northwest Missouri State College.

Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force. In May 1956, upon discharge from the Air Force, he went to work for the Federal Aviation Agency as a flight service specialist, retiring in 1988, after 30 years’ service.

At a young age, Jim accepted Jesus as his Savior and was faithful in His service. Until his health failed, he volunteered as cook at the Cherry Street Youth Centers. For several years he assisted Kevin Olson when Kevin was youth director at two churches in Fredonia.

In February 1957, he married Leola Jean Mulvania in Rockport, Ill. They were divorced. In August 1974, he married Dorothy Dutro Baker. She survives, at the home.

Survivors include five children, Donald R. (Sylvia) Hush, N.M.; Connie K. (Don) Mintz, Idaho; James L. (Susan) Hush, Illinois; Glen E. (Ericka) Hush, Idaho; Timothy L. Hush, Idaho; stepchildren, Robert L. (Kathy) Baker, Gardner; D. Randal (Barbara) Baker, Fredonia; Sharon (Gary) Henderson, Elsmore; nine grandchildren, Josh, Caleb Mintz, Jennifer, Jordan, Jaron Hush, Jeremy and Shannon Hush, Brandon and Ashley Hush; six stepgrandchildren, John, Devin, Shelbey Baker, Melanie, Mark, and Molly Henderson; one sister, Arlene Fearmonti, Pittsburg, niece Terri Wood, nephews Frank and Jim Fearmonti, Pittsburg.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clifford Hush, and a stepgrandchild, David Baker.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 p.m. at the Faith Bible Church, First and Lafayette, Chanute. Burial will be in McCune Cemetery, McCune, with military honors.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel in Chanute, and one hour before service Saturday at the church.

Memorials in his name may be made to Cherry Street, Faith Bible Church, or Chanute Public Library and may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com.