6/3/50-4/25/17
It is with great sorrow that our beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, and Ojai Legend passed peacefully at home.
Jim was born at Foster Memorial in Ventura to Charlie and Ruth Russell of Ojai. He was the middle child of 5 rambunctious Russells, three brothers and one sister. He was a graduate of Ojai Elementary, Matilija Junior High, and Nordhoff High School, Class of '68, where he served as ASB President. He lettered in every in every sport, worked hard, and played harder. He had a very special relationship with nature. He befriended and cared for all walks of life.
Jimmy was a charter member of the Deer Lodge softball team for many years. He was also a member in the local Carpenters Union 150 for 35 years until an injury forced him into retirement.
Jim was a wonderful father to his four favorite daughters, certified Girl Scout leader, youth coordinator, and most importantly, the greatest camper of all time. His greatest joys in life were his family, his life long friends, and the Lord. He had a heart the size of The Ojai Valley that he loved so much.
Jim was proceeded in death by his infant son, Jay Russell, parents Charlie and Ruth Russell, brother and best friend Randy Russell, in-laws Donald and Helen Sullivan, German Shepherds Deacon, Kona, & Kyah.
He is survived by his partner/wife of 47 years, Kathleen Sullivan Russell; daughters: Shalene (Mark) Hayman, Sarah (Jimmy) Spiesman, Jenny Russell, and Kelly (Forde) King; five grandchildren: Justin, Ashton, Siena, Kaylin, and Zoey. He is also survived by brothers Tom (Gladys) and Nelson (Judy) Russell, his beloved little sister Debby (Tom) Russell-Swetek. He is also mourned by the Sullivan Clan - Peter (Marie), John (Mary Ellen), Donald (Genevieve), Betsy (Mike), and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017 in Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura. A short reception will follow the Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Hall until 1:30 p.m. There will also be a Celebration of Jim's Life on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Soule Park in Ojai at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Jim with a memorial donation made to The Boyd Center, 510 Park Road, Ojai, CA 93023.