James "Jim" Bussell

James "Jim" Bussell, 81, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on March 20, 2026. Jim was born on March 16, 2026 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to the late Merle and Ethel (Fritz) Bussell. 

Despite the challenges of being born with cerebral palsy, Jim taught everyone around him the true meaning of kindness and always enjoyed having conversations with everyone he came in contact with. Jim grew up on a farm with his parents and his sister, Joyce, who cared for him when he came home from Shriners Hospital. Jim spent 16 years at Shriners Hospital while enduring multiple surgeries, but was able to come home for a month or two at a time each year. Joyce also took care of her brother for over 15 years until he went to a facility to be cared for when he got older.  Jim fought through medical issues and disabilities that would cripple most, but he pushed through them. 

Jim loved the feeling of movement and cherished the companionships of road trips, even without being behind the wheel. Also, in his younger years, Jim had a beloved dog named Bandit who was his pride and joy. He really enjoyed simple pleasures, specifically coca-cola and root beer. He really enjoyed a home cooked meal and savored every bite and appreciated the love that was put into each dish. Jim also loved watching baseball regardless of what team was playing.  

Left to cherish Jim's memory are his sister, Joyce Cuyler of South Bend, his nieces, Cynthia Marshall and Jonna Brandt and his nephews, John Michael Marshall and Donald Craig Marshall. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Ethel Bussell.