James Henry Cushing Jr. passed away on July 20, 2017 at the age of 89 in South Jordan, UT. He was born in Salt Lake City on December 23, 1927 to James Henry Cushing Sr. and Jane Mulligan. Dad's mom died when he was an infant, and his father remarried Lydia Ferre. They raised Jim and his four sisters, Jane, Grace, Aulene and Donna in Bountiful, Utah.
He was student body president at Davis High School, when he left early to join the army and get the GI bill. After graduating from the University of Utah, he re-enlisted and served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Korean Conflict. He then served 22 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980.
He married Colleen Rose Berger in 1954. Dad joined the LDS Church in 1963, and was active throughout his life. Dad and mom were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. He had a great love and respect for all religions.
He spent his career at the Veterans Administration Hospital working as a Corrective/Physical Therapist. He retired at age 53. Dad loved any activity in the out of doors, hiking, skiing and watching mountain goats. He took up running at age 50 and completed 19 marathons, including qualifying for and running in Boston and New York. Dad and his sweetheart Colleen loved traveling. They traveled throughout the USA, Mexico and Europe with each other and close friends.
Dad followed mom, five months after her passing. He is survived by his three children, Dan (Sherrill), Jolene (Don), Holly (Steve), 9 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Aulene Egan, brothers in law, Bob Thompson, Elmer Berger, Steven (Sally) Berger, and his sister in law Jane (Gary) Brough.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 11 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) Sandy, UT 84092. Viewings will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens on Monday from 6-8 pm and Tuesday at 10 am. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of dad.
