Norris James Bush, 60, of Sparta, passed away Dec. 19, 2025.
James was born Jan. 6, 1965, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was a strong, hardworking man whose life was defined by love, devotion, and family. Above all else, James loved his wife, Julie. He cared for her with every ounce of his heart, and together they were truly inseparable— two peas in a pod. Working from home and sharing every part of life side by side, their love was evident to all who knew them.
James was a devoted and proud father who absolutely adored his children, Justin and Brooke, and he treasured every moment with his grandchildren, Haven and Hazelyn. He was a pillar of strength for his family, always offering guidance, unconditional love, and support through every season of life. Known for his incredible sense of humor, James’s laugh was contagious—just hearing it could light up a room.
He cherished family gatherings, and his presence brought warmth, joy, and comfort to everyone around him. James had a way of making people feel loved, welcome, and at ease.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Julie Bush; his children, Justin (Katie) Bush, Brooke Bush; his mother, Jeannette Joiner; his siblings, Teresa Cathcart (Ronnie, Jeremy), Cathy Cravens (Kevin, Michaela-Maleigha, Lynnox, Taylor- Kasen, Elanor), and Shannon Hartfield (Gerald, Kalie-John Tucker, Hawkins, Wilder, Haven); his cherished grandchildren, Haven McKenna Bush and Hazelyn Faith Bush. He also leaves behind his mother and father-n-love, Joseph and DeAnn Killebrew; sister-n-love, Jennifer Stephens; and Zachary Stephens (Shelby- Everette, Campbell), Jordan Russell (Cole- Sawyer Jane), Megan Tillman (Tommie- Cleo, Lucinda).
James was preceded in death by his father, Donald W. Joiner, and his nephew, Wayne Creed (Levi).
A celebration of James’s life will be held in the spring of 2026. While our hearts ache in his absence, we take comfort in knowing James is with our Lord and Savior, watching over us from above. He is not gone forever—he has simply said goodbye for now. We take comfort in knowing that James is now at peace in the loving presence of our Savior, where sorrow and pain are no more, and joy is everlasting.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” — John 14:1–4 (NLT)
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
