Obituary of James R. Rushton

A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. James R. Rushton, 62, of Southlake TX, died unexpectedly on May 10 at home. A native of Wilkes-Barre, Jim was the son of the late Gilbert and Elizabeth Brennan Rushton. Jim was a graduate of the former Bishop Hoban High School (now Holy Redeemer), Wilkes-Barre, and Bloomsburg University. Having participated in Scouting throughout his childhood and teen years, it was only natural that Jim pursue a career with the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting not only was a profession for Jim, but a way of life. He truly embodied the 12 pillars of the Boy Scout Law. A trustworthy and loyal friend to all, Jim was always willing to lend a helpful hand to anyone in need of it, offer a kind word and spread cheer wherever he went with his infectious smile and sense of humor. And he certainly was thrifty. Jim began his Scouting career in Wilkes-Barre. He moved to Doylestown and later was promoted to Scout Executive in Bangor, ME. His Scouting career took him to northern California, Los Angeles, CA, and eventually the Boy Scouts national office in Irving, TX from where he retired and settled in Southlake. One of his earliest jobs was a camp director at Camp Acahela near Blakeslee, PA, a spot that was dear to his heart and where he visited as often as he could when visiting northeast PA. While living in Southlake, Jim made many dear friends at the VFW in Grapevine. Learning he was a Philadelphia Eagles fan, his friends at the VFW fondly referred to him as “Philly.” Jim is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gwen Stockwell-Rushton, Southlake; siblings, Patrick and his wife, Dolly, Mountain Top, PA; Mary Millham and her husband, Patrick, Penn Lake, PA; Betty Hall, Wilkes-Barre; John, Wilkes-Barre. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 am from the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. Deacon Leo Thompson will officiate. Family and friends may call from 9 to 11 on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, BSA, 72 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA 18507. All contributions will be used to memorialize Jim’s legacy at Camp Acahela, where Jim served as Camp Director.