About Dr. James Bush, III - On the Move
Educator. Minister. Public Servant. Former State Representative. Proven Leader for Florida House District 109.
James Bush III has dedicated his life to education, faith, public service, and community advocacy. A retired teacher, minister, and experienced legislator, he brings decades of hands-on leadership to the people of Florida House District 109.
His story is rooted in Miami, shaped by the classroom, strengthened by faith, and proven through public service. From teaching students to serving in the Florida House of Representatives, James Bush III has remained focused on one clear purpose: helping people, strengthening communities, and bringing real results home.
James Bush III brings a results-driven record of public service to Florida House District 109, with decades of experience as an educator, minister, community advocate, and former State Representative. His leadership has helped advance meaningful investments in scholarship funding, youth development, workforce training, food security, senior programming, social services, and community-based initiatives across Miami-Dade County. From supporting students pursuing higher education to strengthening after-school programs, senior services, and neighborhood resources, James Bush III’s work reflects a clear standard: leadership should deliver for the people it serves. His resume is more than a list of titles; it is a record of outstanding service, experience, and results for families, seniors, students, and communities across communities.
Background
Biographical Information
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City of Residence: Miami, Florida
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Occupation: Educator, Retired
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Spouse: Bernadine Williams-Bush
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Religious Affiliation: Baptist
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Recreational Interests: Playing basketball, reading, and working out
James Bush III’s life and leadership reflect discipline, service, faith, and community commitment. His background as a teacher and public servant gives him a direct understanding of the challenges facing students, families, seniors, working people, and neighborhoods across Miami-Dade County.
James Bush III’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, faith, and service. His academic background spans public education, physical education, educational administration, educational leadership, music, religion, and Christian education.
Education
Studies
James Bush III’s educational journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, faith, and service. His academic background spans public education, physical education, educational administration, educational leadership, music, religion, and Christian education.
His education prepared him not only for professional achievement, but for public service rooted in teaching, mentoring, leadership development, and community care.
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Doctor of Ministry — Christian Education
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Smith Chapel Bible College, 2004
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Doctoral Studies — Educational Leadership
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Nova Southeastern University, 1999–2003
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Master of Science — Educational Administration and Supervision
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Nova Southeastern University, 1984
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Bachelor of Science — Physical Education
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Bethune-Cookman University, 1979
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Undergraduate Studies — Music and Religion
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Bishop College, Dallas, Texas, 1974–1976
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High School Diploma
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Miami Northwestern Senior High School, 1974
Career
Work | Leadership
Retired Teacher
James Bush III served as a teacher, dedicating his professional life to educating, guiding, and supporting young people. His work in education shaped his belief that strong schools, strong teachers, career pathways, scholarships, and mentorship can change the direction of a student’s life.
As a retired educator, James Bush III understands the classroom not as an abstract policy issue, but as a place where futures are formed every day. His commitment to education continues to guide his priorities for Florida House District 109.
Minister and Faith Leader
James Bush III’s leadership is also grounded in faith. As a minister, his work has centered on service, compassion, accountability, and community responsibility. His faith background has strengthened his commitment to families, seniors, youth, and residents who deserve leadership that listens and responds.
Community Advocate
Throughout his career, James Bush III has worked with families, students, seniors, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and neighborhood advocates. His community work has focused on practical needs: education, youth development, senior support, public safety, food security, economic opportunity, and neighborhood investment.
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James Bush III has served multiple terms in the Florida House of Representatives, bringing experience, institutional knowledge, and a results-focused approach to public service.
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Florida House of Representatives
Elected in 1992 and served through 2000 -
Florida House of Representatives
Elected in 2008 -
Florida House of Representatives
Elected in 2018 and reelected subsequently
Committee Membership
During the 2008–2010 legislative term, James Bush III served on committees and councils connected to government accountability, health care, family services, elder services, economic development, and public oversight.
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Government Accountability Act Council
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Health & Family Services Policy Council
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Elder & Family Services Policy Committee
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Health Care Regulation Policy Committee
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Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight
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Economic Development Policy Committee
His legislative service reflects a long-standing commitment to public policy, community resources, education, health and family services, economic development, elder services, public accountability, and quality-of-life issues affecting Florida families.