John Bush (1938-2021)

BUSH, GRAYEB

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/14/2021 at 17:00:56

John "Jack" Bush
MAY 1, 1938 – MAY 26, 2021

After a year long battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma, John “Jack” Bush passed away on May 26, 2021 in Portland, OR at the age of 83. Born in Wausau, Wisconsin to Gordon and Nancy Bush, he grew up on Sturgeon Eddy Road with 3 siblings, Dorothy, Cary, and Nancy. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife, Joanne, and their eldest daughter, Karen. Nicknamed “Shrub” or “Mutt”, Jack excelled in many sports and activities throughout his life. Football, hockey, speed skating, golf, and track…to name a few. While at Wausau East High School, he received 14 varsity letters. He received the Gold Award #1 Athlete of the year his senior year. Not only did he excel in sports, he also was an active member of student council and participated in a few musicals. Jack attended University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point where he ran track, played football, and speed skated. He qualified for the Olympics in Speed skating but opted out. He completed his college years at Ripon College playing football there as well where they won the conference with only a 22 man roster. He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Communications. His friends stated that he was “the best football player to come out of the state of Wisconsin”. Jack served a total of 7 years in the US Army stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Camp McCoy, Wisconsin eventually receiving “Honorable Discharge”. He was the “PT” instructor throughout his time in the Army. He married Joanne Grayeb Aug. 2, 1969 in Milwaukie, WI after meeting in June at their best friends’ wedding. After only a few dates, they decided to marry. They settled in Portland, OR where they raised 3 daughters, Karen, Katie, and Kristina. He helped coach every sport his daughters participated in. He believed his girls should have the opportunity to try all clubs and sports and he made every effort to encourage that. A natural salesperson, Jack worked for multiple companies, including IBM, but eventually settled on Fundraising. “Mr. Pepperoni” was his trademark. He developed numerous contacts with schools, clubs, and sports teams throughout the Northwest over the years. He continued to fundraise up until this year. When he wasn’t fundraising, he spent many years driving limousine for JMI where he took countless friends, acquaintances, and customers on numerous adventures. He eventually retired from driving a few years ago. Previous to his passing, he was a security guard at Washington Square - which brought much joy to him. He was active in the Lions Club in the 1970’s and transitioned to the Beaverton Rotary Club in 1981. He served as president from 1994-95. He continued to be an active member, even participating in a meeting a week before his passing. Jack was an avid golfer and played in numerous golf tournaments over the years. Often the underdog, he surprised many by winning a few local tournaments. He even had a hole in one! A favorite past-time was golfing with his buddies at Kilarney West Golf Course. Jack also stayed active by running. He completed 4 marathons and even qualified for the Boston Marathon. When he wasn’t able to run anymore, he continually encouraged his grandkids to stay active by running hills. Jack’s favorite motto was “Lets make it a great day!” He strived to accomplish that always, no matter what the day brought. His friends and family brought him so much joy. He was the one person that kept in contact with all of his childhood friends and all of his family members near and far. He cherished those relationships. Jack will be greatly missed by his daughters, Katie (JB Groh) and Kristina (Chuck Perry), 8 grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, June 24th at Portland Community Church (7100 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton. 97008) at 1:00 pm. A light reception will follow the service. Jack will be laid to rest at Finley-Sunset Hills Memorial Park. Remembrances in Jack’s name may be made to Beaverton Rotary Club Foundation at www.beavertonrotary.org/foundation or First Tee at firstteegreaterportland.org