James Wesley Russell, born May 7, 1954, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 64. He was the youngest of three older siblings, Laura Eloise (‘52), Richard Lowell (‘51), and Jennie Rose (‘48).
His parents, Kenneth Kollmann Russell and Marjorie Rose Wohlenhaus, were married on September 15, 1947 in Lyman, Iowa and after Jennie Rose was born they moved to Portland, Oregon. James grew up in the Irvington District.
James began his education at Irvington Grade School (K-8) and had many teachers who taught what was important for living and the Russell children were no exception. So many of James’ classmates became friends for life.
Graduating in 1972 from Grant High School brought James closer to his interest in journalism. By his senior year he was honored with the ‘Grantonian Award’ for his work on the yearbook, newspaper journalism as editor, sports editor, editorialist and more. In 1976 he graduated from the University of Oregon/Allen School of Journalism. He was also named as ‘Honors Scholar’ of Delta Epsilon.
James went on to use his new skills as Editor in Sweet Home, OR (New Era), as Editor in Goldendale WA. (Sentinel), and also a Reporter in Grants Pass, OR (Daily Courier). In addition, the Grants Pass Jaycees honored James Russell for his Distinguished Service, Community Appreciation (DSA) for the year 1977. At the age of 23, Russell was the youngest ever to receive the honor. He also was selected outstanding secretary in the region for 1977-1978. James was pleased to work for the Jaycees in Grants Pass. James’ uncle who lived there, Jack D. Russell, was also a former Grants Pass Jaycee.
In 1977, James was baptized to devout Catholic Christian Faith and Church. James sold insurance for the Knights of Columbus. In 1981 he married Mary Frances Merrick of Milwaukie, OR. They had two children, John Peter, and Elizabeth (Lisa) Marie.
James is survived by his son, John Peter, his brother, Richard Lowell Russell of Kent, WA, and sister, Laura Eloise Russell Wasson of Puyallup, WA and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister Jennie (2017), his mother Marjorie (2015), his father Kenneth (2000), and one child Lisa Marie (1985).