James Edward Bussey was born on October 16, 1942, and grew up in Levelland, Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.S. of Education in History and Government in 1965. While at Tech, he was in the Student Teachers Association, Young Democrats, and on the KTXT radio staff. He served in Vietnam as a communication center specialist with Company A, 53rd Signal Battalion, from January 1969 to January 1970 at the II Field Force base camp, known as Plantation Base Camp. While inVietnam he earned the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He left the Army at the rank of staff sergeant. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to Texas Tech to earn his Masters of Education in counseling in 1973. He is married to Sharron Bussey and has two children, Gregory Bussey and Jennifer Bussey.
