James Bushey

1946 - 2016

James Bushey passed unexpectedly the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Bushey; mother, Arlene Perrone; stepfather, Mike Perrone; brother, Tom Bushey; and brother-in-law, Robert Hutchison.
James is survived by his life mate, Rose Elsner; sister, Sherry Hutchison; children, James Bushey of Boston, Massachusetts, Michelle Gastright of Villa Hills, Kentucky, and Jesse Eaton of Milton, Vermont; grandchildren, Olivia, Noah, and Tessa Gastright; stepdaughter, Rhonda, and her husband, Daniel, and their son, Russ Konicki ,of Fairbanks.
James was born March 31, 1946, in Burlington, Vermont. He entered the U.S. Navy in April 1963, when he served aboard the U.S.S. Essex and was honorably discharged in April 1967.
Upon leaving the Navy, he began his career as a cement mason in New York City and worked on many prominent buildings, including the World Trade Center. He later moved to Fairbanks, and for 30 years worked as a cement mason, achieving outstanding recognition. He served as business agent for Local 867 and apprentice coordinator until his retirement in 2014.
James enjoyed the Alaska life, including fishing in Valdez. He lost good friends Gene Ezell and Local 867 union brothers Richard Luckett and Tony Roybal in recent years preceding his death.
He is also survived by best friends, Karl Jones, Ronnie Allen, Mike Bailey and Ken Ferringer, of Fairbanks, including Bill Poland and Clay Gibson, both of Valdez, and many other great friends.
The family would like to thank the Steese Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance in our home and attempts to revive Jim.
Service planning is in process and will be announced later.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fairbanks Funeral Home.