Father James Peter Rush, 70, former pastor of parishes in Bridgeton, Margate and Camden parishes, died July 10. He was 70 years old.
Father Rush most recently served as pastor at Margate’s Church of the Blessed Sacrament from 2006-2010, and was pastor emeritus there for the next five years. He was pastor at Immaculate Conception, Bridgeton, 1998-2006, and Saint Joan of Arc in Camden, 1993-98.
Born in Philadelphia, his seminary studies took him to Saint Bonaventure, New York. On May 19, 1972, Bishop George Guilfoyle ordained him a priest of the Diocese of Camden.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart, Vineland, from 1972-75. Following appointments as parochial vicar included Corpus Christie, Carneys Point, 1975-76; Saint Peter Celestine, Cherry Hill; Saint Luke, Stratford, 1977-83; Saint John, Paulsboro, 1983-84; and Saint John Neumann, Sicklerville, 1984-93.
Father Edward Sobolewski, a retired diocesan priest, was able to call Father Rush a friend for the past 47 years. Stationed in Vineland together for a time, Father Rush at Sacred Heart Parish and Father Sobolewski at Saint Francis, the two golfed and vacationed together over the years.
“He was a man of compassion and faith, who truly loved being a priest,” he recalled.
“Father Rush always gave me an ear, he was always there for me. I will truly miss him and our friendship.”
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 18 at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gibbsboro. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.
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