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RUSHING -- Jack Rushing passed away on November 26, 2003, following a long illness. Born on April 14, 1915, in Hanna, Oklahoma to B. Frank Rushing, M.D. and Leda Huls Rushing, his parents, two sisters and three brothers preceded him in death. Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years, Theda Douglas; daughter, Bettie Rushing of Albuquerque; son, Jack Douglas Rushing and his wife, Barbara of Audubon, Pennsylvania; grandson, Jack Douglas Rushing, Jr. and his wife, Carol of Rockville, Maryland; grandson, Woodrow Robert Rushing of Albuquerque; great-grandson, Jack Grenville Rushing of Rockville, Maryland; and four nephews, Mac Harris of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Mark Rushing of Dallas, Texas; Robert Rushing of Mesa, Arizona; and, Dr. Joe K. Thomas of Poteau, Oklahoma. His mother died when he was six years old and his father died when he had just reached his 14th birthday. Upon the death of Dr. Rushing, Jack and his two younger brothers were taken to the Masonic Orphanage in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The two younger boys were accepted, but Jack was ineligible due to his age. Determined to obtain an education, he stayed with various family members and friends, always working for his room and board. He played football his senior year in high school and received a football scholarship to attend Bacone Indian Junior College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In 1938, he received a football scholarship to attend the University of New Mexico where he and Steve Reynolds were co-captains of the UNM football team that played in the 1939 Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. Following his graduation in 1941 from UNM, Jack began his coaching and teaching career in Santa Fe. Shortly thereafter he volunteered for active duty and was inducted as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He was proud to have served in the South Pacific and the Atlantic. At the close of World War II, he returned to his position with the Santa Fe Public Schools. In 1946, Jack joined the coaching staff at Albuquerque High School, and in 1957, he became the Athletic Director at Highland High School. He wanted all young men, no matter their height or weight, to have the opportunity to participate and excel in sports. With the assistance of the New Mexico Educational Activities Association, he introduced the sport of wrestling at Albuquerque High School, the first public school in New Mexico to participate in the sport. Jack retired from the Albuquerque Public Schools in 1975, after 32 years as a teacher and coach, and from the Naval Reserve as a Lt. Commander. Although he received numerous awards and tributes for his coaching of baseball, football, and wrestling, he believed the credit belonged to the hundreds of fine athletes with whom he was honored to work. Jack referred to his years of coaching as his "Golden Years" and his memory never wavered when he recalled players and recounted games. He enjoyed the friendship of students and colleagues and found great happiness in the accomplishments of his many students. He contributed his time and experience to the New Mexico Boxing and Wrestling Commission, the UNM Lettermen's Association, the New Mexico High School Coaches Association, and many civic and youth organizations. Jack was inducted into the Albuquerque High School Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame, University of New Mexico Hall of Honor, Albuquerque Sports Hall of Fame, New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor, and New Mexico Activities Association Hall of Fame. He was a Master Mason and member of the Ballut Abyad Shrine, Hiram Lodge #13, and York Rite. Visitation is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2003, and services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd, N.E. in Albuquerque. George Friberg will give the eulogy and Ron Hoskie will perform original compositions. Kenneth Carson, Herbert Hughes, Robert Lalicker, Jack Douglas Rushing, Jack Douglas Rushing, Jr., and Woodrow Robert Rushing will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Coach Rushing's athletes and fellow coaches. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. The family is deeply appreciative of the care provided by Todd Gray, M.D., Margaret Vining, M.D., and the Lovelace Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to your favorite charity. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd, NE 275-3500
        Published on: Wed December 03, 2003