The friendly smile, the banter, and his habit of greeting many of his customers by name will soon be a memory for patrons of the Laurinburg Post Office when Window Clerk James Rush retires Friday after 36 years of service. Rush, a Laurinburg native, has spent his entire career with the postal service at the Laurinburg branch.

"It was my life ambition to work for the post office," Rush said on the day prior to his retirement. "I was happy the day I got the job, and I'm still happy."

Rush began as a part time worker before moving to the window clerk position 18 years ago.

"I've seen several postmasters and about 100 employees come and go," he said. "But for me, it's been a good occupation, the type of job you don't ever want to quit."

Despite his career satisfaction, Rush looks forward to retirement and provided a list of activities he plans to enjoy in his free time.

"Golfing, bowling, and traveling are just some of the activities I am really looking forward to doing," he said. "I only plan to work for myself from now on. I'm 67 years old, and I felt it was time to pack it up and go on to things I enjoy."

Like postal employee Betty Young, who will retire Nov. 30 after many years with the Laurinburg Post Office, Rush has made a number of friends during his three and a half decade career.

"I have so many friends here among the customers at the post office," he said. "I have always tried to provide top quality service, and to give them a good feeling while they're here. I feel I've done the best that I could do."

As patrons entered the post office on Wednesday, Rush's second from last day on the job, many were unaware that he would soon be leaving.

Post office patron Mable McLean of Laurinburg expressed sadness upon learning the news.

"While I was in line he said I was going to miss him after Friday, but I thought he was joking around," she said. "He's always so nice and friendly, and he smiles all the time. I'm sorry he's leaving, and I just hope the person who takes his place will be as nice as he is."

Another of Rush's customers on Wednesday was Scotland County Commission Chairman J.D. Willis.

"Jim is an outstanding person, always friendly and helpful, not only at work but in his service to the community," Willis said. "He has been a Big Brother to a number of younger kids over the years, and has spent much of his time giving them guidance in their lives."

Since 1989, Rush has assisted 14 children through the Scots For Youth program.

"These boys need a type of father figure to provide some direction, to help them straighten out their lives," Rush said. "They tend to be outspoken, and get in trouble with the court system. Scots for Youth Big Brothers and Big Sisters are assigned a child, with whom we meet on a weekly basis. We do things together such as swimming, weight lifting, basketball, golf, and bowling, activities designed to try and give them more insight into things to do that don't involve getting in trouble."

Rush received an award from the governor one year for his service to troubled youth, and in honor of his commitment the Scots For Youth program created the annual Jim Rush award.

"The award is given once a year to the person most dedicated to the Scots For Youth program," Rush said. "I am very honored to have this award given in my name."

Postal employees agreed that the workplace will not be the same without their popular co-worker.

Supervisor Tana Hanlon praised Rush for his many years of service.

"Everybody knows him, and customers call and ask for him by name," Hanlon said. "They all love him to death, and we will miss his flamboyancy and his presence. I know he's tickled to death to be retiring, and we wish him well."

Rush has been married for 45 years to his wife, Atlene. The couple have three children and six grandchildren, "all doing fine" according to Rush.