JAMES V. RUSSELL

RUSSELL, JAMES V.

James V. Russell passed away early on Monday, May 23, 2011, after a long struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary Patricia; his sister Jacquelyn; his children Sue, Jim and John; his stepchildren Larry, Gabrielle, Cassie and Matthew; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Lois Doerner, his father Theodore Russell, his brother Thomas Russell and his daughter Michelle Mihailovic.

Jim was born on December 17, 1936, in Erie, PA. He served in the Air Force for four years and received a BS from Gannon University and an MBA from St. Michael's College. After a life-long career with General Electric he retired in the early 1990s. After retirement, he and his wife Mary Patricia moved to Gainesville, FL, where Jim spent his time in volunteer and church work. He was a member of Holy Faith parish in Gainesville and was active with the Knights of Columbus. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and started two Knights of Columbus Councils; one at Holy Faith and one at St. Augustine Student Center. He also served as Grand Knight. Jim volunteered with SCORE, an organization of retirees who help people start small businesses; his other volunteer work included helping people prepare their taxes. In his spare time Jim enjoyed gardening.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 26th at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church, 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32607, with Fr. John Phillips as celebrant. A prayer vigil will be held at the church on Wednesday evening, May 25th, from 6pm to 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to St. Francis Catholic High School, 4100 NW 115th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32606.

Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN 404 North Main Street.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

WILLIAMS-THOMAS

DOWNTOWN

(352) 376-7556