James Edward Lusk

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
The Cathedral of St Andrew
617 S Louisana
Little Rock, AR  72201
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
10:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Forest Hills Memorial Park
Highway 5 North
Alexander, AR  72002
Memorial Contributions
The Cathedral of St. Andrew
617 Louisiana
Little Rock, AR  72201


Arkansas Hospice
14 Parkstone Circle
North Little Rock, AR  72116


Shriners Hospital for Children
P. O. Box 1525
Ranson, WV  25438
I served in the Air Force.
James Edward LuskI am a Veteran.

of Little Rock, AR

March 11, 1932 - May 28, 2016

James Edward Lusk, age 84, passed away at his home on May, 28, 2016, after a long battle with lung cancer. James was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 11, 1932 and was a member of The Cathedral of St. Andrew Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace Kate and James Ray Lusk. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary Jo Drew Lusk, his beloved daughter, Debra Lusk Alber, her husband, Mark Alan Alber, his adored granddaughter, Elizabeth Helen Alber, whom he affectionately referred to as His Mess, his brother, Bill Lusk, sister-in-law, Carolyn Drew, and numerous nieces and nephews.

James graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in 1950, where he was a star basketball player when he wasn't playing hooky. James was a natural athlete. As a young man, he played softball, was an avid golfer, and won the state bowling championship the first year he competed. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and was called to active duty in September 1951 during the Korean War. He served his enlistment time in Spokane, Washington and Seaside, Oregon as a dental assistant on a mobile unit. It was during this time that he married Mary Jo, his ''on again, off again'' grade school and high school sweetheart.

After returning to Little Rock in March of 1953, James worked in a variety of careers, beginning as a journeyman pressman for the Arkansas Democrat, followed by opening the Jim Dandy drive-in restaurant, now known as The Hop. Later he worked as a pilot for a local insurance company and eventually became a self-employed building contractor. Because he loved flying so much, he purchased and re-built an airplane, which he flew both for work and pleasure.

In addition to his two favorite hobbies, golf and flying, James had a sharp mind and could solve any kind of puzzle or fix whatever needed fixing. A talented craftsman, he could make anything out of a piece of wood, and he loved to entertain and cook for family and friends. People still rave about his barbeque sauce and hickory smoked ribs. Every spring he looked forward to planting a vegetable garden full of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. His favorite television shows were westerns, especially Maverick.

Although in his younger days, James was a fisherman and enjoyed hunting, as he grew older, he became a friend and protector of animals. He enjoyed feeding birds, chipmunks, and squirrels, and was even known to have captured a mouse that had taken up residence beside his chair, relocating it to a new home in the woods beside the Arkansas River.

James never met a stranger and was always the first to volunteer when someone needed help. One time when he was at the airport in Houston, TX waiting to put his daughter and granddaughter on an airplane, he happened to overhear some young members of a rock band from England who were trying to make their way to Austin for a music competition. Of course, much to their astonishment (and his wife's), James volunteered to drive them to Austin that night, for which they were forever grateful.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Arkansas Hospice for the four months of in-home care they provided, but in particular to his aide and inspirational ''buddy'' Tanya.

Visitation will be at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Jack Vu on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 10:00 am at The Cathedral of St. Andrew, 617 Louisiana Street. Internment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Cathedral of St Andrew, The Shriners Hospital for Children, or Arkansas Hospice.



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7 Condolence(s)
Mike and Larita Berg
Sherwood,
Liked
Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of loss.

Karen Hannahs Suen
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Dear Mrs. Lusk and Debbie,
I just heard of Mr. Lusk's death and wanted you to know I was thinking of you all. I have many fond childhood memories of your family and our days as neighbors and friends. I would love to see Debbie and Mark before the leave Little Rock and catch up.
Take care, and heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Karen

Barbara & Bill
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 31, 2016

We know James is in good hands and begining that trip
we all look forward to. You are in the same good hands
We will miss him, of course.

Judy Fagan
Flippin,
Liked
Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Sending love to you Jo, by way of Peter. He cares so much for you and Jim, as I do. You know that if you need anything, Peter is there to help. Love, Judy Fagan

Suzanne Walker
Sherwood,
Liked
Tuesday, May 31, 2016

I didn't know Jim for very long but the time I did I became very Bonded to him and his wife Mary Jo ... My Husband and I took care of their yard for them I will miss that always there Smile and warm feeling i got when I was around him ... Love and Miss him already ... Rest in Peace my Friend .. We will all see you again one day ...

DW
, TN
Liked
Tuesday, May 31, 2016

So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 1 Corinthians 1:3,4.

Karen Farmer
Germantiwn,
Liked
Monday, May 30, 2016

My prayers go to the entire family - may God hold you and comfort you in this time of sorrow.

We loved Jim very much and are saddened with his passing.

Much love,
Karen