Roush, James Dean 1933-2007

ROUSH, RANDOLPH, THOMAS

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 19:35:50

James Dean Roush was born on July 16, 1933, to Earl Roush and Georgia A. (Randolph) Roush.

As a boy, Jim was raised in Norwood, Indianola and Knoxville. As a young man, he was employed in the U.S. Forest Service as a Park Ranger in Priest River, Idaho and for the Railroad in Knoxville.

On Jan. 3, 1955, Jim married Carolyne Jane Thomas at the United Methodist Parsonage in Knoxville. Jim worked as a plumber for many years at Agan Plumbing & Heating in Knoxville. He went to work for the Farm & Home Store when it opened in Knoxville. In addition to his other jobs, Jim worked at the Knoxville Raceway for 43 years, where he held many positions, including, ambulance driver, the official on #1 corner and running the beer stand. He also served on the fair board for one term. Jim was also proud of his service on the Knoxville Rural Fire Department for 24 years, two of which he served as Chief.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed league bowling, hunting and fishing. Jim's greatest joy was derived from spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he was very proud of his family.

Jim passed away on Feb. 28, 2007, at his home at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randolph at the age of 7.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyne; son, Robert (Robin) of Knoxville; sisters, Betty (Ron) Black of Indianola, Helen (David) Foust of Des Moines and Patricia Selby of Wheat Ridge, Colo.; brothers, Tom (Jean) of Indianola and Rex (Ruth) of Bardstown, Ky.; three grandchildren; four step grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and seven step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home on March 3 with Rev. Art Hill officiating

Interment was in Graceland Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa.

The Knoxville Journal Express, March 9, 2007