John Hilton “Jack” Busch, 87, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on June 2, 2015 surrounded by family. Jack was born October 8, 1927 in East Grand Rapids, MI to George and Elizabeth Krause Busch. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy. Jack was a First Petty Officer on the U.S.S. Helena, serving in the Pacific Theater. Following his service, he attended Michigan State University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and earned a civil engineering degree. He later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Jack worked as a professional structural engineer, first at Haven-Busch Company, Inc. and later at his company, Busch Industries, Inc. Jack contributed his time and skills to various national and international projects such as The Bay Bridge Project in San Francisco. Jack enjoyed working and retired only a few months prior to his passing. Jack also was a member of several professional and community organizations. He was passionately involved in the arts, including supporting local, national and international artists alike. Of particular note was his involvement with the Grand Rapids Art Museum and his close association with a group, including Nancy Mulnix and Alexander Calder, who through their efforts brought La Grande Vitesse to Grand Rapids. He also was an avid collector of Western American art, as exemplified by his contributions to and membership in the Charlie Russell Riders Foundation. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed skiing. Jack is survived by his sons Mike Busch (Anne) of Amelia Island, James Busch (Nicole) of Atlanta, and Shane Busch of San Francisco, grandsons John Michael Busch and James Busch, Jr. and granddaughter Katherine Busch all of Atlanta, and many loving extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife Catherine Christie Busch. A special thank you to Jack’s caretakers Trudy Wagner Brenner and Camella Cheslek and to Spectrum Health Hospice for their loving care and support. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. James A. Chelich presiding. Visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michigan State University’s College of Engineering or the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
