James S. Russell

Mr. James S. Russell, 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, in Lakewood Ranch, FL. James was born February 9, 1932, in Noxapater, MS, the youngest of three children, having two older sisters. He graduated from Noxapater High School and attended East Central Community College before entering the U. S. Air Force. He served in Saudi Arabia and earned several service medals. He was trained as an Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force and upon his discharge he began working for the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration. His career allowed his family the opportunity to live in many cities, which they all truly enjoyed. He retired a distinguished civil servant from the FAA and soon found a new interest in golf. James loved playing golf and made many wonderful friends at the Louisville Country Club. The family wants all of you to know how much he cherished those fun days. James also enjoyed wood working and basket weaving. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Louisville. James truly loved the Lord and the opportunity to volunteer. He was active in various mission works, including The Gideons, Samaritans Purse, and a host of other missions. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his parents J.C. Russell and Florence Coleman Russell; his daughter, Sherry, and his oldest sister, Irene Russell Curto. He is survived by his daughter, Lea Russell Shappee, and her husband, Harry Pep; a son, Byron James Russell, and his sister, Doris Odine Russell Guthrie. A family graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, January 22nd, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Mr. T. J. Jennings officiating. Due to the COVID pandemic, the service is limited to immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to The Gideons or Samaritans Purse.