Jimmie Lee Rusk

On January 24, 2023 the heavens gained a true cowboy angel.  Jimmie Lee Rusk was born on November 23, 1938 in Fredonia,

Kansas to John Henry Rusk and Ruby Grace Hash.  He moved to Benton City, WA in 1946 with his parents when he was 8 years old.

After graduating high school, Jim wanted to join the air force and serve his country but was denied due to a medical issue.

In 1956, Jim started his 46 year career working at Hanford.  He began in payroll, running errands all over Hanford.  Due to his hard work and brilliance, Jim became a technical engineer working with hot cells, retiring in 2002.

Jim took time off from Hanford to attend BYU in Provo, Utah. Due to his time in college, he became an avid BYU sports fan, especially football.  His favorite local team was WSU, except when they were playing BYU.

Jim became a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1960 when he was 21, a decision he treasured all of his life. Anyone who met Jim knew of his fervent testimony of Jesus Christ.

Jim had a very big heart and was always thinking of others before himself. He would always stop what he was doing to serve anyone in need.

Jim met his sweet wife, Patti, at a church dance just before Christmas in 1964.  It was instant

love and the two were married the following spring. In 1967, the first of seven children joined the family.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents John and Ruby Rusk, his brothers John Wayne, and Eddie Dean.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patti, his children Terri Johnson (Jeff), LeAnn Ostler (Glen),  Nicki Pettijohn (Matt), Deborah Montgomery (Jason), Ryan Rusk (Jenny),  Kathy Rusk, Jennifer Rusk, his Sister Pat Hamilton, 22 Grandchildren, and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Feb 4, 2023  at 1pm at the LDS Chapel on 515 S Union ST.