We all know that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Some stand out in the crowd. Some blend in with the crowd. I’ve been blessed to know a few of these heroes in my life. One hero in particular didn’t wear a cape or have fancy armor, he had a pencil-pocket protector, a quick wit, a warm smile, and a heart as big as I’ve ever seen.
I met Jim Bushong in June of 1992. I was almost a senior in high school and was on my way to Louisville, KY to run for a National VICA office. I got on a bus in Abingdon with a few other students from southwest Virginia, and I did not have a clue of where I was going or what exactly what I was supposed to do. I was told that I would only be on the bus “alone” for about an hour and that when the bus stopped in Dublin, there would be a teacher get on the bus that would help me and would know what to do. Few truer words were ever spoken to me.
Just as I had been told, a little over an hour after we left Abingdon, we pulled into Dublin. I still didn’t know what to expect when this little fella hopped on the bus, put his things down in the front seat and announced, “I’m Jim Bushong. I am the drafting teacher at Botetourt, and I will be your bus chaperone for the next week. Everywhere we go, you all will be with me. Now, where’s that little Carbary gal from Washington County?” I liked Jim immediately! He told me what to expect and not to worry about a thing, that he would be there to help me all week. And he was. He truly was. From guiding me through the formalities of the trip to giving me pep talks before I had to give a speech, to pulling me aside when I was very unsure of myself and putting an arm around my shoulder and saying, “Ok now, Carbary, this is how it is...” and he’d launch into some of the best ‘pick-me-up’ talks that I’ve ever had. From that first meeting on, Jim was my “bus dad.” I was fortunate enough that year as a national officer that I got to work with and learn from Jim. And enjoy many more of those pep talks.
After I graduated high school, I only got to see Jim once in a while - mainly when my schedule would allow me to come help out with VICA and then SkillsUSA. When I started teaching in 2006, Jim was one of the first people I reached out to. In typical Jim fashion, he told me not to worry about a thing and sent a big envelope full of drawings, worksheets, and information to me to help me start that first year. When I saw him again for the first time in Roanoke in 2008, it was as if no time had passed - he literally still looked the same and we picked up right where we’d left off. When I decided to run for president-elect of VATIE, my bus-dad was there for me again, coaching, and telling me what to expect - or telling me what I was getting myself into. The only difference this time around, was when Jim put his arm around my shoulder, this time he said, “Now, Smith, this is how it is...” I’ve been fortunate enough that for the last 6+ years, I got to work with ‘the master.’ Learn from him. And marvel at the deals he made and all of the people that he knew.
To 16 year-old me, and yes, to 43 year-old me, Jim has been one of my heroes. He was one of those people who never met a stranger, was eager to teach all he knew, was a natural encourager, and had a great big heart! Jim was such an amazing role model and mentor. He touched so many lives - from students to adults - over his 40+ years in education, that those of us who have looked up to him can only hope to accomplish a fraction of the good works that Jim did. He had faith that could move mountains. He had an infectious smile, laugh, and zest for life.
Jim passed away this past Tuesday. Heaven got a little brighter and the world got a little dimmer. His family and those of us who got to share him with them, will say good-bye to him tomorrow. It is going to be one of the hardest good-byes that I’ve ever had to make, but I can say it knowing that I’ll see Jim again one day. And while one of my heroes wore a pocket protector instead of a cape and his super powers were encouraging, leading, guiding, supporting, and teaching instead of flying or seeing through walls, I’m beyond thankful for knowing Jim and for the impact and difference that he made in my life. There is so much more that I could say about Jim, but honestly, I don’t know if I could find the words to do it justice. I’ll close in saying that we will most definitely miss you, Jim, and we promise to do our best to keep your legacy going.
Thank you, Jim, for being a hero!
