James Ellis Rushton

A funeral service for James Rushton, of Stonewall, LA is currently pending.

James Ellis Rushton, affectionately known as “Papaw,” age 79, of Stonewall, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on August 29, 2026. 

He was born on December 21, 1946, in Serepta, Louisiana. James was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and faithful friend. He was married to the love of his life, Janette George Rushton, for 57 years. His love for Janette was fierce and unwavering, and the life they built together was a beautiful testament to love, commitment, and family. James was a quiet, caring, and loving man who was always there when someone needed him. He was known for being a wonderful friend and for his willingness to help others. If someone needed their car worked on, James was the one they could count on. He took great pride in helping family and friends and never hesitated to lend a hand. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his familiar expressions. When asked how he was doing, his response was always, “Finer than frog hair.” But perhaps the words his family will treasure most were the ones he so often said: “I love you more.” James’s greatest joy was his family. He taught his children through the way he lived—to love their family, to be a good friend, and to always be there for the people they loved. His grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart. Papaw could always be counted on to get them an Icee, and in his eyes, they could do no wrong. His love for them was unconditional, and they always knew just how deeply their Papaw loved them. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, Arland and Gertrude Rushton; sister, Laverne Jiles; brother, Jearl Rushton; and his son, David Rushton.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 57 years, Janette George Rushton; his children, Leroy Rushton and wife, Kellye, Tammy Opbroek and husband, Steve, and Jodie Rushton Stump; his grandchildren, Meagan and Brandon Sumner, Paige and Preston Parker, Jonathon and Dana Rushton, Presley and Joseph Sanders, McKenna and Avery Marsh, Dylan Stump, and Eric Stump; and his great-grandchildren, Ayden, Mason, and Adyson Sumner; Dallas, Maggie, and Rayne Parker; Cayden and Ryker Rushton; Wyatt and AvaJames Sanders; Lindy Marsh; and Harper Cochran. He is also survived by his sisters, Geraldine Anderson, Gloria Lawrence, and Audrey Oetting, and his brother, Bennie Wood, along with many other relatives and dear friends who were blessed to know and love him. 

James will be remembered for his quiet strength, his humor, his loyalty, his helping hands, and most of all, the fierce love he had for his family. He was the foundation of his family, and those closest to him never had to question how much they were loved. His legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply, the friendships he treasured, and the countless memories that will continue to bring smiles in the years ahead. He loved his family fiercely. He was their Papaw. And he always loved them more. 

Those honored to serve as Pallbearers are: Jonathon Rushton, Preston Parker, Avery Marsh, Joseph Sanders, Bennie Wood, and Neil Wood. Honorary pallbearers will be Dallas Parker, Cayden Rushton, and Jerry Rushton. 

Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Shreveport have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.