William James Rush

Retired letter carrier helped construct PONY field William James Rush, 78, of West Alexander, died Wednesday, April 12, 2006, in his home following a four-day illness. He was born April 13, 1927, a son of William James Sr. and Sophia Grace Rae Rush. Mr. Rush attended Washington High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, receiving the American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal. He was a member of Fourth Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rush was a retired U.S. Postal Service letter carrier and previously worked for the city of Washington. He played on a Boston Red Sox farm team and coached a Wolfdale basketball team, Claysville Youth Baseball and the church league softball team at St. Hilary. He helped construct the PONY baseball field and was a member of Claysville American Legion Post 639. Mr. Rush enjoyed his grandsons and their sports. On September 20, 1952, he married Anna Dorothy Kazakewicz, who died April 26, 1983. On February 14, 1987, he married Emma Jayne Mounts, who survives. Also surviving are a stepson, Shaun (Wendy) Rusmisel Jr. of West Alexander; two daughters, Rebecca Ann (James) Garet and Carolyn L. (Larry L.) Ashmore, all of Washington; a sister, Neva (Irvin) Ross of Marianna; and five grandchildren, Michael, Scott and Jonathan Garet and Adam and Christopher Rusmisel. A brother, Robert Rush, is deceased. Friends and family will be received from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 14, with the Rev. Susan VandeKappelle officiating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Claysville American Legion Post 639.