Jeffrey Scott Bushman, born Jeffrey Scott Caywood on September 14, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Kansas City Hospice House at age 70. 

First adopted at eight days old, Jeff became part of a blended family when his mother, Betty Congour Caywood, married Jordan Bushman in 1964. Jordan formally adopted Jeff and his younger sister, Michelle; the family later welcomed two more sons, Jeff’s brothers, Stephen and Craig. 

A tall, athletic young man standing six-foot-five, Jeff played basketball at Central High School in St. Joseph and volleyball at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was preparing for medical school when a 1978 plane crash left him quadriplegic, dramatically altering the trajectory of his life. Jeff adapted to his new circumstances and built a full life on his own terms in the family home on Ward Parkway, where he resided for almost 50 years. He became a successful investor, cultivated a passion for gardening and landscaping—directing his caregivers from his wheelchair—and collected beautiful Turkmen rugs and Arts & Crafts furniture. Jeff maintained a strong sense of self, knew exactly what he wanted, and fiercely advocated for himself. His intelligence, charm, and wit remained intact, and those who knew him will remember his resilience, his love of history, and his irreverent sense of humor. 

Jeffrey is predeceased by his parents, Jordan F. Bushman and Betty C. Bushman, his sister, Michelle Renee, uncle Ronald M. Bushman, uncle Stanley and aunt Nghia Congour. 

He is survived by his brothers, Stephen J Bushman of Kansas City, MO, and Craig A Bushman of Longmont, CO; aunt Sydney Bushman (beloved wife of the late Ronald) of Mill Valley, CA; uncle Robert E. Bushman (Helen) of Leawood, KS, cousins Robyn Shopmaker of Overland Park, KS, Mindy Goodman of Kansas City, MO, and Cher A. Congour of Kansas City, MO, along with extended family, friends, and dedicated caretakers. 

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Jeffrey and to remember his parents, who both passed away in 2020, on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 pm at the Overland Park, KS Arboretum, the Gathering Place. Rugs from Jeffrey’s Turkmen collection will be on display.

Charitable contributions to Harvesters and to Doctors Without Borders, whether in his name or not, would be in the spirit of causes Jeff supported.