James Paul Busche

James, 75, devoted husband of 52 years to Ruth (nee Pratt), died June 7 of glucagonoma, a rare form of pancreatic cancer that affects one in 20 million people. To his children, Linda, of Washington, D.C.; Richard (Lyn) and Ray (Monique) Busche; and Nancy (Mike) Connelly, all of Cincinnati; he was a one-in-20-million dad. He cherished his grandchildren, Robert, Greta, Olivia and Maya Busche; Karen and Paula Connelly; and was especially proud of USMC Cpl. Patrick Busche. A Xavier University graduate, Jim served in the Army Reserves before finishing his degree. An avid woodworker and handy man, he renovated much of his home, made furniture and volunteered his skills at St. Vincent de Paul church, where he also was a lector. A diehard Xavier University basketball fan, he never missed a home game until he became too ill. He bled purple for his alma mater Elder High School and loved the Cincinnati Reds. After retiring from 3M, he and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States, especially enjoying visits to the national parks. In his spare time, he loved fishing and was a history buff and voracious reader with an interest in the Civil War and World War II. His parents, Frank and Helen, and siblings Tom and Jack Busche and Mary "Mimi" Brinkman, preceded him in death. Visitation was June 11 at Vitt, Stermer and Anderson < http://www.vittstermeranderson.com/>, and the funeral Mass was June 12 at St. Vincent de Paul church. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Hospice of Cincinnati, Elder High School, 3900 Vincent Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45205, GiveHope Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Awareness, or the charity of your choice.