Martin James Bushman, who owned and operated Jim’s Family Restaurant for decades in Oxford Village, passed away on March 6, 2018. He was 85.

Bushman, who went by Jim, spent most of his life working in the food industry.

At the age of 13, he got his first after-school job washing dishes at a Lake Orion restaurant.

“Shortly after I started, one of the cooks cut her hand with an electric meat slicer. I was called in. I never went back to dishwater until I opened my own place,” Bushman told the Leader in a 1987 article.

He also worked in his father’s confectionery shop in Lake Orion.

In November 1966, Bushman opened the restaurant bearing his name on Washington St. (M-24). He ran it for many years and it was a popular gathering spot for locals of all ages.

His business philosophy was simple.

“I try to treat the customer like I like to be treated. It’s the good neighbor policy. You wouldn’t serve food you wouldn’t like (to eat) yourself,” Bushman told the Leader. “We make mistakes. But the basic philosophy is, we try.”

In 1987, the Oxford Chamber of Commerce honored Bushman as its “Businessman of the Year.”

Bushman was the loving husband of the late Sheila for 58 years. Jim and Sheila were married in 1957 by Fr. George Ging at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Orion. Bushman remained a member there for 61 years.

Bushman is survived by his children James (Margie), of Waterford; Clark (Diane Biddinger), of Birmingham; Nora (Carl) Chadwell, of Oxford; and Mary (David) Dean. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Bushman was preceded in death by his bride Sheila and their son, Robert.

A memorial service was held March 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Judson Center – Lahser Respite House, 4410 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, 48073 on behalf of Blake Bushman, grandson of Jim.

Reflections may be shared by visiting www.sparksgriffin.com.