James Hamilton Bush, Sr

Husband, father, and esteemed attorney James H. Bush Sr. (Jim) died on September 6th, 2025, at age 78 in Tacoma, WA. Jim passed away with his wife, three children, and son-in-law around him, surrounded by love.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Washington in 1969. After graduating, Jim became a proud member of the United States Coast Guard in 1970. He served in Vietnam and returned with a bronze star medal. After being honorably discharged in 1974, he returned home and graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1977 and earned his LLM in tax from Boston University in 1978.

Jim started his career as an attorney at Vandeberg Johnson & Gandarra PS in 1978. After working there for 23 years, Jim went out on his own and founded the Law Offices of James H. Bush, PLLC in 2001. He practiced estate and tax law for 48 years. He also taught as an adjunct professor for 15 years at Seattle University School of Law.

Jim met his wife, Ronnie, on a blind date. Prior to their marriage, they were close friends for 3 years. Their friendship led to love and a marriage of 46 years. They raised three wonderful children: James Jr., Carly Halstrom (Loren), and Christina Williams (Marcus Sr.).

Jim had a love of traveling and enjoyed many adventurous trips with his family. He loved to visit Cannon Beach, OR with his wife, Ronnie. He was able to visit Italy with his son, James Jr., and Scotland with his daughter, Carly. His other hobbies included reading and all things outdoors. In his younger years, he was a member of the Mountaineers where he was able to summit mountains including Mt. Rainier. He also climbed Mt. Baker, which includes Easton glacier, named after his great uncle.

Jim was known for his belief that we all should give back to our community. Directly after college graduation he joined VISTA where he developed a reading program for children in rural Iowa. Up until his passing, Jim served as the President of the Pierce County Law Library. He chaired the tax section of the Washington State Bar. Jim also served as a board member to several community organizations, including the North End Neighborhood Council, the Lutheran Home, and the City Club of Tacoma. For his service to the community, Jim received a Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year award.

All that knew Jim, recognized that his wife and family were the most important aspect of Jim’s life. His devotion as a loving husband and father were the hallmarks of his life.

Celebration of Life

September 27th, Saturday, 11am

First Christian Church—602 North Orchard -Corner of 6th Avenue and North Orchard, Tacoma

May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Gabby Gifford Foundation, https://secure.actblue.com/donate/websitepopup23?refcode=010324

Jim was an ardent advocate for gun control reform in this nation. Jim would have greatly appreciated any amount of donation.