James Gene Bush was born August 1, 1989 in Minneapolis, MN to Darrell Bush and Susanne Jourdain. James made his journey to the Spirit World on January 3, 2025 in Pine Ridge, SD.
James, or “Lil James”, as his family knew him, always had a contagious smile and was willing to laugh at the most minor things in life. His life was filled with being a humous and charming individual who could always help anyone he encountered. James has spent years working on himself while balancing life and being a good father, friend, relative, brother, and all-around guy. In Gooseneck, James was raised by his grandparents, Ron and Joy Bush. Although James grew up with his relatives in Gooseneck, he never forgot his brother and sisters in Minnesota. In the ladder half of James’ life, he began reconnecting with his brother and sisters and would eventually make his way to visit them. Through his hard work and dedication to being productive, James became a renaissance man of his time, dipping his talent into the automobile, construction, Lakota culture, and being a good father. James was an accomplished student at Oglala Lakota College who was two classes away from finishing his degree in construction.
Through his struggles and steadfast dedication, James found peace by helping others and giving good advice to anyone who needed it. No matter the situation, James always found the courage to return to his feet and continue his journey. Some of his philosophies in life include that “we have to have courage to get through the bad” and that sometimes, “you have to take time to laugh in life.” While being a good father, James would feed and buy clothes and diapers for his beautiful children while finding work to continue his path of fatherhood.
James’s presence was filled with support and encouragement as he encouraged others to be courageous in facing life’s challenges. The many people who encountered James were left with peace and encouragement, as he had the natural talent of being charming and treated others with respect. His presence and mannerisms will be deeply missed by all who know him.
James is survived by his daughters, Esperanza Sioux Faith Bush, and Kimimila Luta Bush, both of Rapid City, SD; son, Caden Grayson Little Bear, of Rapid City, SD; father, Darrell Bush; mother, Susan Jourdain; brother, Wanbli Jourdain of Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Erin Lebeau, and Rosetta Bush both of Minneapolis, MN; uncle, Harold Bush; grandparents, Ron Bush, Kenneth & Noreen Lone Elk; cousins, Terrilyn Teague & Family, Gerald Bush & Family, Michelle Long Soldier, Iris Bush, Kristal Bush, Cheryl Bush, Dena Lone Hill, Robert Pourier, Brandon Blue Bird, Jarrod Piper, Cynthia Long, Jamie Twiss, Jeremy Twiss, Tanya Twiss, Mia Twiss, Joy Twiss-Thornburg, Charles Bush, Virgil Bush, Jr., Deejay Kills Warrior, Nicholas White Bull, and Debbie & Misty Cross-Archuleta; aunts & uncles: Ron Archuleta, Jason Bush, Mona & James Twiss, Catherine Kills Warrior, Ronald Kills Warrior, Donald Kills Warrior, and Paul White Bull; other relatives: Phillip & Violet Good Crow & Family, Gina & Corey Good Crow, Lucille& Alva Good Crow, Kendra Long Elk, Christy Lone Elk, Karen Long Elk, and David Lone Elk, James & Sadie Berg, Luza Berg, Marilyn Sanchez & Russell Sanchez, Gloria Red Eagle & Family, Linda Red Eagle & Family, Robert Red Eagle & Family, Olivia Red Eagle & Family, Virgil Two Eagle & Family, Crystal Two Eagle & Family, Sharon Cuny-Martin & Family, Jackie Arpan & Family, Madonna Cuny & Family, Lillian Cuny & Family, Theodore “OJ” Cuny, Donna Eagle Bull, Irene Tuttle, Jonas Wounded Foot, Sandra Graham, Leslie Bush & Family; hunka mother, Eileen Iron Cloud; and hunka sisters, Willow Jodi & Laurel “Ipsy” Iron Cloud.
James was preceded in death by his brother, William Bush; sister, Lisa LeBeau; grandparents, Eugene & Helen Bush, and Joy Bush; uncles & aunts, Anthony “Tony” Bush, Gerald & Sandra Bush, Dennis White Shield, Tanya Kills Warrior, Adrienne “Aggie” White Bull, and Leah White Bull.
Pallbearers will be Robert Pourier, Brandon Blue Bird, Jarrod Piper, Jeremy Twiss, Luza Berg, Virgil Bush, Jr., Nicholas White Bull, and Corey Good Crow.
Honorary pallbearers are Lena Goings, Dr. Dawn Frank, Katie Little, Oglala Lakota College, Pine Ridge College Center Staff & Students, OST Ambulance, OST AOF, and All Friends & Relatives.
Visitation: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Rockyford School Old Gymnasium in Rockyford, SD.
Funeral Services: 1:00 PM, Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Rockyford School Old Gymnasium in Rockyford, SD
Officiating: Anothony Wounded Head, Sr.
Traditional Lakota Services: Marlin Medicine Horse
Burial Services: St. Paul’s Cemetery, Porcupine, SD
Arrangements entrusted with the Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD