Jack D. Bussell

Jack Darold Bussell, 92, of Leawood, Kansas passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023 at Olathe Health Hospice House. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Friday, December 29, 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS followed by a lunch reception. A visitation will precede the church service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Olathe Health Hospice House or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Jack was born on November 15, 1931 in Wolbach, NE to Darold Eastabrook and Esther M. (Nelsen) Bussell. He grew up on the family farm which instilled in Jack a resilient and hardworking spirit, shaping his character with values of perseverance and responsibility. He graduated from Scotia High School, Scotia NE in 1950, where he participated in multiple sports and music. He then attended the University Of Nebraska – Lincoln (UN) where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Agriculture. During college, Jack was a member of Delta Sigma Pi (Vice President), ROTC, the Livestock Judging Team, and he worked as a salesman for Cutco. As a student at UN, Jack developed a love for UN Cornhusker football. Throughout his life, adorned in various shades of red clothing from head to toe, Jack would cheer on his Huskers each game of the season without fail.

During college, Jack met his sweetheart Jeanie (Gomel) on a blind date. Following their graduations, they were married in Fairfax, MO on June 27, 1954. Jack and Jeanie lived in various states during Jack’s service as a First Lieutenant Army Artillery pilot. Once discharged from the service, Jack began his career in Kansas City with Shanzer Manufacturing Company selling grain dryers. His career flourished across Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan as he worked for Hart Carter and Midland Ross. During his career, Jack held two co-patents on grain dryers. He was also an active member of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and enjoyed the friendships built with these colleagues throughout the years. A highlight of Jack’s time in the industry included singing the solos of “The Star Spangled Banner '' and “Oh Canada '' at the GEAPS Opening President's Reception – a tradition he proudly upheld for 24 years. Another achievement that brought Jack immense joy was his 25-year tenure as a distinguished speaker for a short course at Texas A&M.

In 1975, Jack returned to Kansas City to join Berico Industries, making it his home for the next 48 years. In 1993, Jack established his own company, Bussco Inc., leveraging his expertise to engage in sales and consulting as an industry authority. His focus encompassed a wide range of equipment related to the storage and drying of grain, oilseed, soybeans, and rice. Merely a year ago, Jack embarked on his final business trip, a testament to his unwavering passion for his work during his 60 plus years in the industry.  Enamored by what he did, he relished every moment, reluctant to close the chapter on a journey he loved so dearly.

Above all else, Jack's love for his family and friends was unparalleled and boundless. Jack was fortunate to share 50 cherished years with his loving wife, Jeanie, who unfortunately passed away in 2004. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and brother DeWayne Bussell. He is survived by his sisters Phyllis Combe, Ogden, UT, and Berniece and husband Harold Reck, Chico, CA. He is also survived by his four children and their spouses, Susan and Rob Morgan, OP, KS, Julie Bussell, OP, KS, Jill and Michael Sorcher, OP, KS, and James (Jim) Bussell and Mellisa Watland-Baker, Pilot Point,TX. He is survived by 13 grandchildren and their spouses and one great-grandchild: Amber and husband Dylan Geick, Jennifer and husband Joe Harvey, and Casey Morgan; Trey, Brock, Keiffer and wife Grace, and Kylie Baumert; Jessica, Rachael, and Caroline Sorcher; Chance and wife Darian and son Tripp Pinkley, Emerson, and Walker Bussell. Jack’s life was graced by his grandchild, Trent Pinkley, who preceded him in passing. 

Jack is survived by his loving partner of eight years, Judy Millen, Leawood, Kansas. Jack and Judy created a chapter of love, resilience, and joy, etching a narrative that will forever be cherished by those fortunate enough to have witnessed their extraordinary bond. 

One of Jack’s favorite activities was attending his grandchildren’s games and activities as their #1 fan. Among his other cherished pastimes, singing for friends and family held a special place in his heart, bringing him immense joy and fulfillment. He enjoyed rehearsing and performing with the Heart of America Chorus, Kansas City Chapter. Jack was an active member of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, and his unwavering faith served as a guiding light in every aspect of his life.

Jack will be fondly remembered for his sparkling blue eyes, radiant smile, affectionate nature, unwavering determination, exceptional vocal talents, and zany outfits. His strong work-ethic was an inspiration and his infectious sense of humor had the power to spread laughter and joy to everyone fortunate enough to be in his company. Above all, Jack will leave a lasting legacy of love defined by his roles as husband, Dad, and Papa.

We love you, Jack/Dad/Papa. You have touched our lives in countless ways, and we will miss you dearly. ( Arr: Johnson County Funeral Chapter & Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Overland Park, KS 913-451-1860 ) 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Olathe Hospice House- https://www.olathehealth.org/patients-and-visitors/giving/memorials-and-tributes/memorials-and-tributes-online-donation/ or to the National Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3Zedz6ucgwMVcjfUAR0i8QKbEAAYASABEgKWmvD_BwE