Roll Call Tribute

John Gary Bush 

July 2, 1943 - February 25, 2026 

John "Gary" Bush '65 of College Station, Texas, passed peacefully away February 25, 2026 at the age of 82.

Gary was born on July 2, 1943 in Muskegon, Michigan to the late John Sibert Bush and Bernice Helen Koss. He was the oldest of four boys and a brother to David Charles, Thomas Alex of Montgomery, Texas and James Robert. He often recounted memories of his childhood in Michigan, especially time spent with his grandparents, before moving to Texas in 1953.

A 1961 graduate of Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Texas, Gary played on the school's varsity basketball team. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At Texas A&M, he was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets in Squadron 5 and then Squadron 8. Forever a Fighting Texas Aggie and especially proud of his family's Aggie Legacy, with his two children and four of his grandchildren attending Texas A&M.

For more than 50 years, Gary made lasting contributions to the power generation industry, working and living internationally while earning respect in his field of expertise. He valued the opportunities and experiences his family had while living overseas and travelling abroad.

Gary and his wife, Jimmie Carole (York) of Houston, Texas, shared 61 years of marriage. Other family members include his daughter, Angela Florian '25 and Dr. Mark Florian '90 of College Station, his son John Gary Bush Jr '03 and his wife Karen Bush of Tiki Island, Texas with Jay sharing his father's birthday.

He was a devoted grandfather to Christopher Florian and wife Shari' of College Station, Texas; Rachael Benden '16 and husband Justin Benden '16, of College Station, Texas; James Florian '21 and wife Mary Grace of Bryan, Texas and Jacob and Elijah Bush '29, of Tiki Island, Texas. His greatest joy was his 5 great grandchildren: Gavyn Carr, Elise Benden, Jade Florian, Delilah Benden, and Henry Benden all from College Station, Tx.

Gary had a deep love of life, family and friends whom he maintained many lifelong friendships across the globe. He enjoyed watching Westerns, World War 2 movies, fishing with family and family gatherings. His pride as an American and for his beloved Texas Aggies was evident to all who knew him. A devoted Christian, he studied the bible throughout his life and even pastored a church in Maracaibo, Venezuela while he was working and living there in the mid-1990's. Until his illness, he was an active member of Christ Church in College Station.

Family and friends will remember Gary for his storytelling, sense of humor, sentimentality, and boundless generosity. He was a competent handyman, always ready to fix anything and humbly described himself as "a jack of all trades, a master of none."

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers David Charles Bush and James Robert Bush.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18th, 2026 at Christ Church in College Station, Texas. Following will be a reception to honor his memory. A private interment will take place later in 2026. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may send cards to Jimmie Carole Bush at their home address in College Station and floral arrangements to the Celebration of Life service.