of Cotter, AR
December 18, 1943 - July 15, 2016
James Allen Russell, Jr., age 72, of Cotter, Arkansas, passed away Friday, July 15th, 2016. He was born December 18th, 1943, in Lompoc, California, during World War II.
James served in the Arkansas Army National Guard, achieved the rank of Colonel, and served as Commander of the 875th Engineering battalion. He worked in Civil Service for the Military Science Department of Arkansas State University.
Jim is remembered by his family and friends as a profoundly kind and generous man. He loved nature and animals, and was known for his skill in wildlife photography. Connecting to others was a natural gift of Jim's. If you were interested in something, Jim became interested with you. When Jim became interested in a hobby or activity, he was enthusiastic and skilled, yet humble and eager to share his experience. He loved to share his knowledge of the outdoors and photography, and when he shared it, people loved to learn from him. He had both an incredible mind and heart. He treasured more than anything his time spent with his family.
Jim is survived by his wife Pat Russell, his daughter Melissa Rhoads, son-in-law Phillip Rhoads, and two grandsons, Wesley and Bennett, who loved their papa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Sarah M. Russell.
Memorial services will be at 2:00p.m., July 20, 2016, at Roller Funeral Home, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. Visit our online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtnhome.
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18 Condolence(s)
Janet Butler
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Pat, I am keeping you and your family in my prayers through this difficult time in your lives. Jim's beautiful photography showed his love of nature and our world. What a wonderful legacy that is. Much love to you - Janet
David Long
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
I am so saddened by the loss of my fellow soldier and friend. Jim was my Company Commander while I was a young LT and as I served 33 years, he by far was one of my best Commanders. When you messed up, he had a way to let you know in a way that made you want to do better without belittling. He was a true leader of men!
Jim and I shared the love for the outdoors and wildlife and I always enjoyed our discussions together.
Jim had a heart of gold and loved like and people.
I salute you my dear friend one last time but will see you again in heaven for I know that's where you are fishing and enjoying paradise today.
May God bless Pat and the family.
David Long
Tommy Wofford
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Pat, so sorry, but know that we have you in our prayers and thoughts. Always enjoyed the pictures you guys put on Facebook. God Bless and Prayers for you and family. Thinking of you during this time. Tommy and Faye Wofford
Davy Wotton
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Jim, it was a pleasure to know you, spend time together at the range and talk about he world of nature.
Your pictures were awesome, some of the best l had ever seen of the White river eagles.
Rest in peace Jim, you will be missed
Davy
Mike and Dianna Roller
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Pat and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy at this very difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
We always enjoyed visiting with you and Jim at various aviation related functions. Jim was so cordial and always had interesting stories to tell. He will be missed greatly.
Sincerely,
Mike and Dianna Roller
Steven Womack
Monday, July 18, 2016
You have my deepest sympathies on the passing of your father.
Jay and Beverly Carter
Monday, July 18, 2016
Our deepest sympathy, Pat, to you, your family and all who loved Jim so much. He was a very nice person and will be missed a lot.
Jay and Beverly Carter
Duane and Annette (Mowery) Dutka
Monday, July 18, 2016
Pat I am so sorry for Jimmy's passing. Sorry I am not able to make it to the Memorial Service. Please know that we are praying for you and Melissa and those precious grandchildren.
Everett Evans USArmy Retired
Monday, July 18, 2016
Pat and Melissa, I was sadden to learn of the passing of Jim. I worked with Jim at ASU in the ROTC Department I was there from 1979 to 1984 and Jim was a good friend even after I retired I saw and talked with him regularly until he left Jonesboro. I remember Melissa coming to the Armory after school and doing her home work in Jims office and her roller skating on the floor there. Jim will be missed by everyone who knew him and that is a lot of people ASU alone. Please accept my heart felt condolences for the lose of your husband, father and Grandfather.
Bridget Taylor
Monday, July 18, 2016
I'm so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I served with both Jim and his father in the 875th Engineer Battalion. I always knew Jim to be a very kind man. My sympathies to his family. He will be missed.
Brenda Maddox
Monday, July 18, 2016
Thinking of you and the rest of the family. Jim was a wonderful person and friend. I'll be praying for you ! Love you, Brenda
Peggy Vaughan
Monday, July 18, 2016
Pat, prayers for you and Melissa as you go through the difficult days ahead. Jim had such a big heart and was always so kind. May you find peace and comfort in all the great memories you share.
Gretta and Barry Lloyd
Monday, July 18, 2016
Dear Pat, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.. You and your family will be in our prayers.
C.H. Overbay
Monday, July 18, 2016
Pat, Melissa and Family:
Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to your family for the loss of Jim. He was truly a gem and always a pleasure to be around. I will remember him for his zest for life, smile, humor and friendship. I will always cherish the times we spent together in the military and the part he played in mentoring my career.
Vince Lombardi once said, "A person's quality of life is in direct proportion of a person's commitment to excellence, regardless of what field they may be in." Jim applied this principle to anything and everything that he was involved in.
Know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. May the love of friends and family carry you through the days to come. Rest in Peace my Friend!!
Monday, July 18, 2016
Jack Richardson
Monday, July 18, 2016
Pat, Melissa, and grandchildren. I am thankful that I had the privilege of knowing the Russell family. I enjoyed working with both Jim and Allen. They were two of the good people. Jim performed his military duties in an exemplary manner. Barbara and I offer our condolences and prayers to all of you.
Sandra & Darrell Tapp
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Pat we are so saddened by Jim's passing. I know he was a great man, husband and father. So sorry we cannot be there. Please know we love you and are thinking and praying for you and your family.
Courtney Trammell
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Our deepest sympathy for family and friends. God Bless.