Jim C. Little

James C. Little (Jim), 74, lost his battle with cancer, and passed peacefully January 25, 2021.

He was born February 5, 1946, in Hutchinson, KS to Clyde E. and Mildred O. (Turner) Little. He was their only child. He graduated from Buhler High School in 1964 and from Hutchinson Junior College with his Associate Degree.

Jim loved flying and earned his pilot license, became a flight instructor, and a charter pilot. He earned his commercial and interment licenses also while attending college. One of his charter customers, Jimmy Dean the CEO of FarMarCo/Farmland Industries, recognized the business side of Jim and hired him as not only the Corp pilot, but as a purchasing agent for the firm. Before the Company merged with Farmland Industries Jim had worked his way up to Director of Purchasing. He also worked for family owned, Commercial Construction Co and later Lackey Construction. In 1983 Jim had an opportunity to become a partner in Rush Financial, Inc an Insurance agency established by his father-in-law. Jim took a leap of faith and moved the family to Longview.

On August 15, 1970, he married Shirley A. Rush of Longview. They met while Shirley was attending Hutch JUCO. For the first 13 years of their marriage they lived in Hutchinson, KS before moving their family to Longview, WA.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy & Jake Jenkins of Longview; daughter, Stacey Ferrell of Longview; and a son and daughter-in-law Justin and Jennifer (Duncan) Little, of Richmond Hills, GA. Jim was proud to be (Papa) to six, what he called “amazing grand kids," Daelynn Ferrell of Longview, Noah & Emma Jenkins of Longview; Conner, Ava & Ella Little of Richmond Hills, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim loved being with his family, camping, fishing, hunting and just enjoying life in general. His passion was animals, and he enjoyed the time he spent serving on the board of Humane Society of Cowlitz County, over the years.

Due to COVID-19 Virus restrictions, the family will have a private closure service on February 5, 2021, which would have been Jim’s 75th birthday. Once the COVID-19 Virus restrictions are lifted there will be a celebration honoring him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Jim’s name to be made to; Humane Society of Cowlitz County, 909 Columbia Blvd, Longview, WA 98632. https://cowlitzhumane.com/donate