April 16, 1939 - April 25, 2009

CRUMSTOWN - James F. Russell Sr., 70, passed away at 7:12 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in his residence. James was born on April 16, 1939, to the late George and Gladys (Werner) Russell. On August 26, 1961, in LaPorte, James married Sherry A. (Lung). She survives along with a daughter, Lori (Thomas) Dodd of Branchburg, NJ; a son, James (Raquel) Russell Jr. of North Liberty; and two grandchildren, Sean Russell and Sara Russell. James retired from the St. Joseph County Police Department in 1985 after 21 years of service and was a lifetime member of the FOP. He was also U.S. Deputy Marshall for several years while on the police force. He was a past president and member of the Michigan Gem and Mineral Society and a member of the Midwest Facetor's Guild. He was a past member of the Warren Township Volunteer Fire Department. Jim enjoyed fishing for anything he could clean and eat. He loved RVing and traveled all over the country with his wife and his family. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame sports, especially football, and served as part of the football traffic detail while on the county police force. Jim's other major hobby which became a profession was in the area of collecting rocks and gems. He began, in 1987, making decorative trees with semi-precious and precious stones which he sold all over the country. Everything he made was by hand and completely original.
 

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.