James Pushman 1936-2022
It is with profound sadness that James Pushman, beloved husband of Kathryn Pushman, lost his long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on June 5. He was born on on Dec. 19, 1936, to Margaret and Fred Pushman in Detroit, Michigan. He was always a hard worker, and started earning money when he was 11 years old as a paperboy. His father gave him a printing press when he was in junior high, and he started a thriving business in his basement, printing programs, tickets, business cards, graduation and wedding invitations. He was the president of the Walther League at church, where he started dating Kay at the age of 16. He graduated from Concordia College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with an associate’s degree in 1957. He held down three jobs while in college. He was a devout Lutheran his whole life and was always active and on the council of the churches where he was a member.
Jim and Kay married on June 29, 1957 at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church and would have been married 65 years this anniversary. He went to work for his father’s company, Turner of Detroit, which sold printing equipment. He was always the top salesman and won many awards and prizes from the vendors. He was president of the Craftsman Club, an organization of printers and their vendors.
In 1980, Jim decided to move to Los Angeles, which had always been his dream when he watched the fans in their short-sleeved shirts at the Rose Bowl game as he was freezing in Michigan. He purchased Royal American Products Corporation in L.A. and diversified the company to include equipment that was used by schools and churches. He increased that company to include a branch in Orange County and San Diego County.
He talked Kay into joining the Boots and Slippers Square Dance Club, where he served as club president for three years. It was a wonderful time in his life, and included camping in RVs with members of this club.
Although diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he was able to dance for quite a while. The club’s caller once remarked to his wife that he was still a better dancer than some. One of the most exciting times in his square dance life was being chosen to dance in a national TV commercial for Wells Fargo Bank. A small segment is included in the video of Jim’s life. Jim was a very intelligent, well-read man who held leadership roles in many organizations over his life time. He was an avid traveler and camped all over the country with his children and grandchildren. Always a bargain hunter, he was able to see the world on cruise ships after his children were grown, traveling with friends and family. Jim was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his four loving children and their spouses: Sherry Moss and husband, Perry; James Pushman and wife, Debra; and Lori Perea and husband, Michael; Lisa Lindsay and husband, Michael. He was Gramps to seven grandchildren: Zachary Moss, Ariel Perea, Blake Moss, Elisha Perea, Camille Lindsay, Mason Lindsay and Camden Lindsay. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Abigail and Alexzandra, who unfortunately did not know their fun grandpa. He is also survived by step-grandson, Jeremy, step-granddaughters Tina and Alexis, and step-greatgrandchildren Sofia and Luca.
Jim was the eldest in a family of nine children and is survived by six of his loving brothers and sisters: Suzanne Roach, Janice Piwok, Brian Pushman, Lynore Brekke, Nancy Brain and Kris Pushman, plus many nieces and nephews.
Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over 20 years ago, so these years have been very difficult, but the cherished memories of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend live on. It has been a very long goodbye, and he is so missed by all who knew him.
A memorial will be held on July 18 at 11:30 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Leisure World. A reception will follow in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.
