Bryson is an 8-year-old fighter who has been courageously battling Medulloblastoma (brain cancer) since September of 2024. Recent MRIs have brought heartbreaking news—his disease has continued to progress. After exhausting all available treatment options, his medical team is now focusing on keeping Bryson comfortable and surrounded by love.

Bryson is a truly remarkable child. He is outgoing, hilarious, full of personality, and brings so much joy to everyone who knows him. He loves sports, playing outside, video games, and—most of all—being with his family. He has put up an incredible fight, showing strength far beyond his years.

Our family is devastated by this unimaginable reality. As we navigate this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for support from our community to help ease the financial difficulties we are facing. We are also deeply grateful for continued prayers, love, and support.

If you are able and willing to help financially, donations can be made through GoFund me and via Venmo, which will be linked directly to the family’s bank account. A bank account will also be set up for donations at First Community Credit Union, with locations in Freeport, Monroe, Rockford, Beloit, Belvidere, Roscoe, and Janesville.

Any support—whether through donations, prayers, or sharing this message—means more than words can express. Thank you for loving Bryson and for standing with our family during this heartbreaking journey.

Bryson Ja'Bar Busch

November 12, 2017 — January 1, 2026

Freeport, IL

Bryson “B” Busch, age 8, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bryson was truly one of a kind—inside and out—with a heart made of pure gold. He had a way of instantly connecting with people; once you met him, you loved him. His smile could light up any room, and his laugh was contagious, bringing joy wherever he went.

B was incredibly talented and loved being active. He played many sports, including baseball with Freeport Little League, soccer at the YMCA, and football with the Freeport Phantoms. He also loved music of all kinds and had dance moves like no other—the coldest you’d ever see. Dancing was just another way Bryson expressed his joy and larger-than-life personality.

Bryson’s greatest passion was gaming, especially playing Call of Duty® and Fortnite. He also loved staying connected with the people he cared about. If Mom had someone’s phone number, Bryson made sure it was added to his iPad so he could FaceTime them—at least once a day, though often 10 to 15 times. This earned him the loving nickname “Bill Collector Bryson.”

For the last 16 months of his life, Bryson fought brain cancer with incredible courage and strength. He handled every curveball thrown his way like a “G,” as Bryson himself would say. His bravery, resilience, and spirit were nothing short of inspiring.

Bryson is survived by his parents, Tiphani Busch and Johnny Morris III; his brother, Javier Sullivan Morris; his grandparents, Danielle McGregor, Timothy Busch, Tracy Clubb, Kevin Kurth, and Gayla Clubb; his aunts and uncles, Miranda (Michael) McGregor, Randy Kurth, Heather Kurth, and Denise Taylor; and his cousins, Logan, Lexus, Mia, Kye Kurth, Tori (Nathan), Brydyn, Shannon, Ody Keister, and Wyatt Simler, along with many great-aunts and great-uncles. He also leaves behind his best friends, Easton Soto and Cannon Walker.

Bryson was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Keister, Judith Jones, Grace L. Addison, and Johnny Morris Jr.; his aunt, Sharie Duarte; and his uncles, Chuck Busch, Billy Keister, Dan Keister, and Brian Keister.

Though his time on this earth was far too short, Bryson’s light, love, and unforgettable spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be 12:00 P.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded following the service. A memorial has been established in Bryson's memory.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bryson Ja'Bar Busch, please visit our flower store.