Musich, James Earl ("Doc") (1948 - 2023)

MUSICH, GRAEVE, WALSTON, KING, MCMILLIN, THOMPSON, NELSON, GRAEVE, ROBINSON, LEUSCHEN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 7/4/2023 at 18:00:14

Name of deceased: James Earl (“Doc”) Musich

Aged: 75 yrs, 4 mo, 26 days

Residence: Bedford, Taylor County, IA

Born: Jan. 4, 1948; rural Earling, Shelby County, IA

Died: May 30, 2023; Bedford, Taylor County, IA

Funeral services: Saturday, June 3, 2023; Cummings Family Funeral Home; burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Bedford, IA

Survived by: Wife of 54 years, Kate; daughters, Molly Walston (spouse, Paul) and Sara King (spouse, Jason); son, Dan Musich (spouse, Machelle); son-in-law, Scott McMillin; grandchildren, Shane Walston, Maddy Walston, Zach McMillin, Courtney Thompson, Sam McMillin, Max McMillin, Joel King, Chad McMillin, Quentin King, Silas Walston, Brody King, Macy Musich, J.D. Musich and Ali Musich; great-grandchildren, Della Thompson, Paxton King, Mara McMillin, Millie Thompson, Moxie King, Malakai McMillin and Callahan McMillin; siblings, Rick Musich, Margo Nelson, Mark Musich and Duane Musich; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Urban and Esther (nee Graeve) Musich; brother, Bill Musich; sister, Mary Jane Robinson; daughter, Jody McMillin

Education: Attended elementary school at St. Michael’s Catholic School, Harlan, IA. He then went on to attend Harlan High School where he wrestled and ran cross country. James earned the nickname “Doc Watson” for his quick wit and sense of humor, but the nickname was soon just “Doc.” Doc spent those summers on the Vandenberg farm with his good friend Al. Together they hunted, fished and camped at the river. He graduated from Harlan high school with the Class of 1966. In 2012, he obtained an associate’s degree in finished carpentry from SWICC.

Religious affiliation: Member, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bedford, IA

Military service: Joined the National Guard and served for the next 6 years, during which he worked building the western sections of Interstate 80

Marriage: Kathy (“Kate”) Leuschen; Dec. 6, 1969; St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church, Panama, Iowa

Employment: While in high school, Doc worked at Olson’s Grocery Store and The Polar Club. After finishing his commitment with the National Guard, Doc headed to Phoenix, AZ for a short while where he worked many jobs. By 1967, he was back in Iowa and working as a foreman for the Harlan Builders building pole buildings. After his marriage, in 1980 they relocated their family to Bedford, IA where Doc worked various jobs over the years.

Hobbies/Interests: After moving to Bedford, Doc was involved in helping with Bedford athletic events including keeping stats for the football team and running the clock for wrestling for several years. Doc’s passion for the outdoors acquired as a youth continued as an adult and he enjoyed hunting and fishing whenever he could. Doc was a proud Republican and member of the NRA. He enjoyed raising a garden and cooking, especially grilling for his family.

Sources: harlanonline.com