Obituary for James E. "Jim" Tusing
James Edward Tusing, Sr., 71 of McAlisterville, PA, was welcomed home by His Heavenly Father early Saturday morning, June 5th, 2021.
Born on September 6th, 1949 in York, PA, he was the son of Edward Tusing and Annabell “Jo” (Billet) Tusing. On April 4th, 1971, he married the love of his life, and best friend, Donna Jean (Sankey) Tusing, whom he was blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage with this year.
Jim was a memorable, one of a kind man, who left a lasting impact on everyone he came in contact with. He valued time with God, his family and friendships, and always appreciated the little things, even in his dinner time prayers. He also never turned down a good meal or a seafood buffet.
By far, Jim’s proudest accomplishment was becoming a father, and raising his two sons, supporting them in their athletics, marriages and children. In his latest years, Jim found his greatest joy in spending time and making memories with his grandchildren. He shared a special bond with each one, and was their biggest fan, always being present for their events and activities.
He was a man of few words at times, but was well known for his one liners, goofy humor, and teaching life lessons. If you were blessed to be a close family member or friend, or were coached by him, you were likely dubbed with an unforgettable nickname; one of his trademarks.
He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. You could often find Jim in some of his favorite places - the woods, hunting shack, or on the boat at the river, New York, Vermont or Canada with his sons, grandchildren, brother, or best buddies.
Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force from September 1968 to April 1971, with a tour in Korea, and continued in the Reserves several years following.
He was active in the McAlisterville Lions Club, the Lost Creek Trout Club, McAlisterville town soccer, and little league baseball. Most recently, Jim was an assistant coach for JCS girls’ basketball. He also coached the East Juniata High School girls’ basketball team, proudly leading them to multiple Tri-Valley League titles, district wins and state qualifiers. He had a passion for coaching, and held a special place in his heart for his players.
Jim loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of the East Salem United Methodist Church, where he participated as a Sunday school teacher.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean (Sankey) Tusing, of McAlisterville; two sons, James Edward Tusing, Jr. and wife, Kimberly Tusing of Thompsontown, and Joseph Sankey Tusing and wife, Holly Tusing of Mifflintown; three grandchildren, James (Trey) Edward Tusing, III, Olivia Tusing, and Ainsley Tusing; one sister, Joanie Tusing of McAlisterville; two brothers, Jeff Tusing and wife, Laurie of Florida and Jack Tusing of McAlisterville; two nieces and two nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandson, Cullen Tusing.
Jim was loved beyond measure, respected by many, and will be greatly missed by all.
A graveside memorial service will be held at the East Salem, Otterbein Cemetery on Wednesday, June 9th at 10:00 am where full military burial honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans Council. The services will be open to anyone who wishes to share in Jim’s memorial. A fellowship meal will be held immediately following the service in the East Salem United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the East Salem United Methodist Missions Fund, 7398 Rt. 235 Mifflintown, PA 17059 or the Lost Creek Trout Club, c/o Tim Hower, Arch Rock Rd. Mifflintown, PA 17059.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc. , 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent to the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.
Born on September 6th, 1949 in York, PA, he was the son of Edward Tusing and Annabell “Jo” (Billet) Tusing. On April 4th, 1971, he married the love of his life, and best friend, Donna Jean (Sankey) Tusing, whom he was blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage with this year.
Jim was a memorable, one of a kind man, who left a lasting impact on everyone he came in contact with. He valued time with God, his family and friendships, and always appreciated the little things, even in his dinner time prayers. He also never turned down a good meal or a seafood buffet.
By far, Jim’s proudest accomplishment was becoming a father, and raising his two sons, supporting them in their athletics, marriages and children. In his latest years, Jim found his greatest joy in spending time and making memories with his grandchildren. He shared a special bond with each one, and was their biggest fan, always being present for their events and activities.
He was a man of few words at times, but was well known for his one liners, goofy humor, and teaching life lessons. If you were blessed to be a close family member or friend, or were coached by him, you were likely dubbed with an unforgettable nickname; one of his trademarks.
He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. You could often find Jim in some of his favorite places - the woods, hunting shack, or on the boat at the river, New York, Vermont or Canada with his sons, grandchildren, brother, or best buddies.
Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force from September 1968 to April 1971, with a tour in Korea, and continued in the Reserves several years following.
He was active in the McAlisterville Lions Club, the Lost Creek Trout Club, McAlisterville town soccer, and little league baseball. Most recently, Jim was an assistant coach for JCS girls’ basketball. He also coached the East Juniata High School girls’ basketball team, proudly leading them to multiple Tri-Valley League titles, district wins and state qualifiers. He had a passion for coaching, and held a special place in his heart for his players.
Jim loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was an active member of the East Salem United Methodist Church, where he participated as a Sunday school teacher.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean (Sankey) Tusing, of McAlisterville; two sons, James Edward Tusing, Jr. and wife, Kimberly Tusing of Thompsontown, and Joseph Sankey Tusing and wife, Holly Tusing of Mifflintown; three grandchildren, James (Trey) Edward Tusing, III, Olivia Tusing, and Ainsley Tusing; one sister, Joanie Tusing of McAlisterville; two brothers, Jeff Tusing and wife, Laurie of Florida and Jack Tusing of McAlisterville; two nieces and two nephews; and many great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandson, Cullen Tusing.
Jim was loved beyond measure, respected by many, and will be greatly missed by all.
A graveside memorial service will be held at the East Salem, Otterbein Cemetery on Wednesday, June 9th at 10:00 am where full military burial honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans Council. The services will be open to anyone who wishes to share in Jim’s memorial. A fellowship meal will be held immediately following the service in the East Salem United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the East Salem United Methodist Missions Fund, 7398 Rt. 235 Mifflintown, PA 17059 or the Lost Creek Trout Club, c/o Tim Hower, Arch Rock Rd. Mifflintown, PA 17059.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc. , 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent to the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.