John L. Busha

After fighting with every cell he had to stay with the ones he loved, John L. Busha, has passed from kidney cancer at the young age of 54. While he has had many struggles in life, he always felt blessed for the family he had. He was a blessing and a kind person to all who had a chance to enter his life.

John was the happiest being with and teaching his children and grandbabies the things that they would need to know to be independent, kind human beings. He joined his life with Billie on a beautiful, sunny day. June 4th, 1993. His oldest daughter was present. Billie was beyond blessed to be married to the most kindhearted, selfless man for 32 years. They were best friends, and he was the air that filled her world each and every day. No one could ever take his place in her heart. He once said that his advice to “newly wed men”, is that “it just doesn’t matter”. The disagreements and spats don’t matter nearly as much as the love you have for each other.

His favorite things to do were spending time with his grandbabies, shooting (lover of guns), scuba diving, fishing, and hunting. John worked so very hard for his family that he cherished. He loved spending time with them and doing his hobbies with them. He always wanted a hobby farm with ALL the animals and dogs, so he would have a place to pass onto his family. John was forever proud to be the father of three kind, beautiful, kind and loved girls. He always told others that he wouldn’t trade a room full of boys for any one of his girls.

John served in the Army National Guard and only had a few jobs. He served as an EMT/Security Sargent at Fortune Bay Casino for ten years. Frito-Lay for three years and went back into Security Work at MSOP, retiring after serving 17 years. Working at MSOP earned him amazing and caring friends. His final words of advice to his children, grandbabies and anyone who reads this is, “Life is far too short to deal with toxicity and negativity. Make yourself happy, travel, make memories, help others and money doesn’t hold you tight when it’s time to depart this world. It’s the people you love and hold close.”

John was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Johnson (Busha), both sets of grandparents, Jack and Grace Busha, Lane and Jeane Johnson, maternal aunt, Lori Gonzalez, father-in-law, Marvin Ford, brother-in-law, Eric Ford, and nephew, David Breeden.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Billie Busha, his daughter, Brittany Smith and her husband Shane, daughter, Katelyn Busha and her partner KT, and daughter, Allison Busha. John has five wonderful, amazing, and loved grandchildren, Laylah Smith, Malachi Smith, Jack Busha, Gaberiel Smith, and baby boo, Zoey Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Rachelle and her husband Steve Grover, many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, Gail Ford, Lisa and her husband, Brian Rhyti, Missy and her husband, Calvin Durant, and brother-in-law, Matt and his wife, Stephanie Ford. John is also a proud grandpa to his ever-loving grand pups, Kaylee and Millie as well as being a proud dad to his dogs, Nora and Princess Pearl.

He has made many friends throughout his life, many of which he served alongside at MSOP, that continued to check on him and his family. John left this world unburdened by the unsaid things he had held in for many years. He said what he needed to and lifted the heavy feelings that weighed on his shoulders. He has always taught his children and grandbabies that being a good person to someone could change lives. Love unconditionally, do things without expecting anything in return and you will be alright. Lastly, let go of the toxicity in your life, it makes of world of difference. 

A private celebration and interment will be held in honor of John. Invitations will be sent out per John's request.  He was loved by many and loved us all deeply.