Jacob Bush Sr. was born in Blakely, Georgia, and was initially given the name J.C. Bush. At a very young age, Jacob experienced the loss of his mother. He was lovingly raised by his father, Raymond Bush, and his older sister, Lillian Bush. As Jacob grew older, his father gave him the opportunity to choose his own name. He chose the name Jacob.

Much of Jacob's understanding of life, faith, and the Lord was shaped by the love and guidance of his beloved sister, Lillian Bush (Jones).

As a young man, Jacob was a true cowboy. He was known for his cowboy hat, cowboy belt, love of dancing, laughter, and shooting. Jacob Bush Sr. in his early 20s was a little bit of a hot head. Jacob Bush met Velma Lee. It was truly love at first sight. Jacob quickly recognized that Velma was also a hothead and stayed close to protect her. Their love grew, and on April 4, 1973, Jacob and Velma were united in marriage.

Jacob eventually uprooted his family from Wilcox, New York, and moved to Belle Glade, Florida, where he would build a life and leave a lasting legacy. In Belle Glade, Jacob developed a very special relationship with his mother-in-law, Maggie Lee. Through her life and her example, Jacob witnessed God's love, grace, and mercy in a way that deeply impacted him.

As the years passed, Jacob's life began to change. He traded in his guns and his former street life and began walking a different path. His heart was transformed as he became a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jacob's journey with Christ did not stop at simply being a member of the church. He became the church guitarist, then a preacher, and eventually a pastor. God continued to elevate and use him, and Pastor Jacob Bush Sr. became the shepherd of his own congregation. He faithfully served as pastor of Belle Glade Holy Temple until his passing on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Throughout his life, Jacob held many treasured titles and blessings. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, provider, protector, friend, musician, preacher, and pastor. He owned many of the things this world could offer—cars, boats, homes, and other possessions—but none of them compared to his relationship with God.

God was Jacob's greatest treasure.

One of Jacob's favorite scriptures was Matthew 6:33, which teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jacob often referred to himself as "the Scriptures Preacher," and he lived according to the very Word he preached. He sought the Kingdom throughout his life, and now, by God's grace, he has received that which he spent his life seeking.

Jacob lived long.
He laughed hard.
He loved even harder.
He served God faithfully.
And he left a legacy that will live on.

Jacob leaves behind his devoted wife, Velma Bush, after 53 years of marriage; his five children; twelve grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; extended family; church family; friends; and countless people whose lives were touched by his presence, ministry, love, laughter, and testimony.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family and loved ones can take comfort in knowing that Pastor Jacob Bush Sr. finished his race, kept the faith, and sought first the Kingdom.

Pastor Jacob Bush Sr. has gone from being a preacher of the Scriptures to living in the presence of the One the Scriptures taught him to seek.

Rest well, Pastor Jacob. Your work here is finished, but your legacy lives on.