Michael Rushing

Michael Woodrow Rushing, 79, of Jackson died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was the ultimate giver. Everything he did, he did for someone else.

He was born May 31, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, son of Claude Woodrow "Woody" Rushing and Evelyn Rushing Bullock. He and Donna Yancey were married May 30, 1970, and they enjoyed 52 wonderful years together.

Mike began his river career early as his father was general manager for Missouri Barge Line Co. Inc. in Cape Girardeau. He began riding the towboats during the summer when he was 12 years old, and continued to spend part or all of his summer vacations on the boats. In January 1963, he went to work steady on the river. He stood his first watch as a pilot later that year.

In January 1967, Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army and served two years, getting out in January 1969. Upon returning from the Army, he began working in the office at Missouri Barge Line, as well as serving as pilot or captain on the various company vessels as needed. He continued in this role until becoming full-time port captain in about 1973 and, later on, operations manager by about 1976.

In 1979, he and his father started Rushing Marine Corp., where they owned and operated towboats.

In late 1991, he became the executive vice president of MEMCO Barge Line.

In 1995, he started Rushing Marine Service LLC, where he worked alongside his son, Todd, until his death.

He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church, where he served for many years on the church council and as lay leader. He went on to become the district lay leader for the Southeast District of the Missouri Conference.

Mike was dedicated to the men in the Breaking Bonds Addiction Recovery Ministry. He worked to help them see what it means to be a follower of Christ so they could find a relationship with Christ and be successful in life. Mike was known for saying and sharing inspirational quotes, which the Breaking Bonds men lovingly coined "Mike-isms."

He was an avid Boy Scouter. He served on many Wood Badge staffs and served as the course director. In doing so, he helped many adults become better leaders. He also served as a unit commissioner for many years. He earned the Silver Beaver Award in 2007. This is the highest award an adult can receive in scouting.

He loved the Soap Box Derby. He was a part of the local Soap Box Derby race, hosted by Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau, since 2000. He owned more than 20 cars he recruited local youngsters to build and drive. He often said, "We are building kids, not cars." He would spend almost every evening from February to July in the shop helping young people and their families build cars. He was a member of the All-American Soap Box Derby racing commission. He was elected into the All-American Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2022. All five of his grandchildren had an opportunity to race in the derby.

Mike helped to establish the Rushing Family Trust in honor of his parents. This charitable trust will hold its 25th annual "Captain Woody" Golf Tournament in October this year. This tournament has raised more than $500,000 to benefit charity.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Rushing; children, Carmen Cox and Todd Rushing and his wife, Julie Ludwig Rushing; grandchildren, Colby Rushing, Austin Rushing, Gunnar Cox, Gracyn Cox and Matthew (Cortney) Cox; and two great-grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to thank the team of doctors, nurses and staff in Saint Francis Medical Center Intensive Care Unit for the exceptional way they cared for Mike and his family.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Visitation will continue from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at New McKendree United Methodist Church South Campus. Please wear something that shows how you are affiliated with an organization on which Mike had an impact, such as Soapbox Derby, Scouts, etc.

Funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at the church's south campus.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Rushing Family Charitable Trust or church or charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Mike's obituary at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.