James Russell
The St. Francis High School community would like to extend our condolences to the Russell family on the passing of James Russell, father of Stacy Russell '80 LaBelle, Jim Russell '82, and Susan Russell '83.
James Roland Russell, 85, of Winfield was born in Chicago, IL on January 11, 1939. He passed away February 29, 2024 at Central DuPage Hospital after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Marianne Colette Russell (nee Stark); loving father of Stacy (Len) LaBelle, Jim (Katie) Russell, and Susan (Steve) Lawrence; proud grandfather of Michael (Renata), Marianne (Ben), Mark (Natalie), Tom (Allie), Suzanne (Jake), Rosemary (Mitchell), Jayne (Gordon), John, Megan, Kelly, Jimmy, Mark, Matthew, Sam, Sarah, Stephanie (Johnny) and great-grandfather of 15; fond brother of Alicia (Steve) Rudminas, Jerry (Margo) Russell; brother-in-law of Susann (Ed) Trowbridge, and Sandy White. He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret (nee Barnicle) and James Roland Russell, sister Kathleen Russell, and brother-in-law Tom Stark.
Jim spent his formative years in Maryville and Father Kelly's after losing his mother at age 10. He carried a strong Catholic faith throughout his life, never missing Sunday Mass. Jim attended Oceanside Junior College on a football scholarship before falling in love with Marianne Stark. He transferred to Northern Illinois University and enjoyed Greek life as a Phi Kappa Theta. Jimmy and Marianne were married on April 29, 1961 and have been married 62 years. Jimmy was very involved and devoted to his 3 children, 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He loved his family and was interested and involved in all their activities and lives. His generous nature was seen in his faith and love of family.
After graduating from NIU with a degree in Business, Jim became a business owner of WoodArt Company designing and creating beautiful oak pieces with his brother-in-law Ed. He later worked as a Regional Sales Manager for BRK Electronics.
Jim's interests included woodworking, sailing, racquetball, and politics all of which he approached with great zeal. He never met a building project or problem he couldn't find a way to fix, earning him the nickname "Jimmyrig." He was always willing to drop anything to help a neighbor, friend, or family and always had the great way to do it with the right tool for the job.
Jim used all his talents and drive when he and Marianne bought a Lake House. Jim designed and rebuilt the entire structure. Together they created a beautiful gathering place for their family. On any given Sunday Jim and Marianne could be found enjoying Mass and pancakes followed by family fun at the Lake House. Jimmy was a warm, funny, colorful character. He spent hours telling stories about his countless adventures. His kids and grandkids especially loved hearing his stories, both the old favorites and the new ones they were hearing for the first time. His legacy lives on through all of us.
Visitation Saturday March 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187. Funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 0S233 Church St. Winfield, IL 60190. Interment Assumption Cemetery Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
Jim spent his formative years in Maryville and Father Kelly's after losing his mother at age 10. He carried a strong Catholic faith throughout his life, never missing Sunday Mass. Jim attended Oceanside Junior College on a football scholarship before falling in love with Marianne Stark. He transferred to Northern Illinois University and enjoyed Greek life as a Phi Kappa Theta. Jimmy and Marianne were married on April 29, 1961 and have been married 62 years. Jimmy was very involved and devoted to his 3 children, 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He loved his family and was interested and involved in all their activities and lives. His generous nature was seen in his faith and love of family.
After graduating from NIU with a degree in Business, Jim became a business owner of WoodArt Company designing and creating beautiful oak pieces with his brother-in-law Ed. He later worked as a Regional Sales Manager for BRK Electronics.
Jim's interests included woodworking, sailing, racquetball, and politics all of which he approached with great zeal. He never met a building project or problem he couldn't find a way to fix, earning him the nickname "Jimmyrig." He was always willing to drop anything to help a neighbor, friend, or family and always had the great way to do it with the right tool for the job.
Jim used all his talents and drive when he and Marianne bought a Lake House. Jim designed and rebuilt the entire structure. Together they created a beautiful gathering place for their family. On any given Sunday Jim and Marianne could be found enjoying Mass and pancakes followed by family fun at the Lake House. Jimmy was a warm, funny, colorful character. He spent hours telling stories about his countless adventures. His kids and grandkids especially loved hearing his stories, both the old favorites and the new ones they were hearing for the first time. His legacy lives on through all of us.
Visitation Saturday March 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187. Funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 0S233 Church St. Winfield, IL 60190. Interment Assumption Cemetery Wheaton, IL. In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
St. Francis High School
2130 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone (630) 668-5800
Fax (630) 668-5893
Phone (630) 668-5800
Fax (630) 668-5893
