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JAMES RUSSI Obituary
June 01, 1938-June 02, 2014
James F. Russi passed away on June 2, 2014 at the age of 76. Beloved husband of Arleen Russi of Alameda. Loving father of Jack (Jodie), Tim (Alicia), Joe (Lynn), Cathy Thomas, Patrick (Kelly) and Shelley (Rahn Twitchell) . Adored Papa of 18 grandchildren. James (Jim) was born in San Francisco on June 1, 1938 to Francis John and Catherine (Carroll) Russi. He was an older brother to Fr. John Joseph Russi and Carroll McDaniel both deceased and an Uncle to Carroll's two children Kitty and Patty. He graduated from St Cecilia Grammar School , St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, and Santa Clara University where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He was also an All American Basketball player and in the Hall of Fame at Santa Clara University. The pinnacle of his sports career was to be a first round draft pick for the St Louis Hawks in 1960. Jim was a CPA and a long-time partner in Yandell Truckaway and Santa Clara Warehouses. Jim coached CYO basketball from 18 years of age and was Athletic Director for over 25 years at St Joseph's Grammar School in Alameda. For many years Jim and Arleen ran the CYO East Bay Parochial League for the Oakland Diocese and their impact on youth and sports in the Bay Area has been substantial . He was a legend in adult basketball leagues in the area and frequently sought after pick-up basketball player at Franklin and Washington Parks.Jim lived his life with a few simple principles. God and family were always first and if you were going to do something then try to be the best. He has been a significant and positive influence for so many, and truly has left the world a better place. He will be dearly missed.
Family and friends are invited to attend Vigil Services at 7 PM Thursday June 5, 2014 and the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon Friday June 6, 2014 at St Albert the Great Catholic Church, Mcartney and Holly Streets, Bay Farm Island, Alameda. A reception will follow the Mass. Interment Saturday, 10AM Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in the name of Jim and Arleen Russi. God Bless and thank you to all for the prayers For further information please call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (CA Lic. FDR-745).
ALAMEDA FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
510-522-6020 ALAMEDA CA FD2139
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Patricia Hazlitt
May 29, 2019
Jim, hard to believe 5 yrs have passed without seeing/hearing from you. You are truly missed and thought of often. Kindest and most generous man. One thing I still remember is your time given so freely to people and causes. You were simply the best.
Robert McLean
June 20, 2014
Arleen and family,
Just returned from long trip abroad and heard of Jim's passing. My condolences to all the family; you have lost a great father and grandfather.
Bob Norton
June 18, 2014
Another passing chapter in the history of great athletes of San Francisco. Jim was one of the greatest and smartest. It was an honor to play with and against him. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family.
Peggy Hilbert
June 13, 2014
It is with sincere sympathy that I am sending all my prayers to the whole family at this sad time. Although I never met mr Russi, I love and adore Tim and his wonderful wife Alicia! They were very supportive of me during my husband'ssickness and his passing away this past march. Tim seems to have been a mirror of his great dad. Be comforted in knowing he is not in pain although I know you didn't want to lose him.
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June 11, 2014
Tim, Alicia and family. So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our sincerest condolences to you all. He sounds like an unbelievable man and role model, which is evident by his wonderful children and grandchildren. God bless you all, Mary and Mark
Sioux Newenhouse
June 11, 2014
I may have had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful sounding man at Tim and Alicia's wedding. I wish I could remember better. Tim has been the best addition to our family and has been a great father to his kids and a wonderful husband to Alicia. This have the type of family that many people admire. I always knew Alicia would be an awesome mom, but she has gone way past that and I know it's because she has a man like Tim there with her. Please accept my heartfelt sorrow Tim in the loss of your dad. Having been where you are, I know how bad it hurts. Time will heal the pain. I love you and you wife so much and so sad that I never get to see yawls but I know you have busy lives. We're here for you if you ever need anything. Love you both.
Joe Russi
June 10, 2014
See you soon Big Jim! And Yes.I should have learned how to perfect a left handed Lay-up
Lynn and I Love you and Mom and the whole family you and Mom Created!
Luz M Rico
June 9, 2014
Mrs Russi and family: I was so very sorry to learn that my wonderful hand crushing buddy had passed away. I will miss seeing that wonderful man at church and the awesome hand shakes we shared. I consider us family in GOD so your loss is my loss as well. I asked my mom to say hello to him when he arrived to his final home and to give him a hug not only for herself but for me and I'm certain she has. May GOD bless you and your family and know that I loved him because he is and will always be a wonderful man
Karen Stroud
June 9, 2014
Rest In Peace Mr. Russi--though I never met you, I met your daughter Shelley and she is a woman of integrity and a loyal friend so I've met you through her. Job well-done as a Dad! Sympathy and condolences to your family She & Rahn.
Grady Mack
June 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Russi family. The Russi's treated me as family my entire stay in the Bay Area. I was always welcome in their home. Jim had a great sense of humor, a big heart, and was a tremendous teammate to someone not near as talented. I'll never forget our "Out of Bounds" play. Great memories.
June 8, 2014
We will always remember Jim.He was truly a dynamic person..Intense comes to mind.He
Will be missed.we will pray for him
Bob Carson Denise Carson
Dorothy Ann (Otten) Feick
June 7, 2014
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the entire Russi Family. Rest In Peace Mr.Russi.
Charlotte Heitman
June 7, 2014
Fond memories of Mr. Russi during my years at Saint Joseph, heartfelt sympathy to Joe and the entire family.
Kathy Awkard
June 7, 2014
To Shelley and her family---
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I am a fatherless child myself and would not wish membership to this club on anyone, but unfortunately, it is part of the life cycle. While I did not know your father personally, I still cannot help but think I knew him through the wonderful generosity of spirit in his daughter. From the obituary and comments, it is clear that your father was amazing man-- an athlete, mentor, parent, grandparent and friend. Clearly, a respected man. I hope as the days and months pass, that you and your family will take some comfort in your shared memories with your father to ease the difficulty of this time. In the meantime, please appreciate that you are not alone.
May GOD continue to bless you and keep you.
With sympathy---
Bill Delaney
June 7, 2014
A true friend of our Alameda parks and contributor to the Friends of the Parks Foundation. Our deepest regrets and best wishes to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Ed Fahey
June 6, 2014
Condolences to the entire Russi family. You are a treasured part of my life. Big Jim of course was a great supporter and wise counsel. We were all blessed to know him.
To add to your wonderful stories at the service: In the gym floor at St. Augustine, there is a dent courtesy of a clipboard that "slipped" out of Big Jim's hand. I recall his reaction to being T'd up at the time as well as his honest, respectful apology after the game.
A true sportsman and loved friend.God bless.
June 6, 2014
To Shelley and the entire Russi Family. Our deepest condolences. May God be with you and watch over your father in Heaven.
Regards, Carmen Tempongko & Family
John Johnck
June 6, 2014
Arlene and Kids: As an SI grad of 1956, I am very sad that Jim passed away. I know it must be devastating to all of you. I'm also 76, like Jim was, and have 3 boys and 4 grandkids. It is tragic that he will not be here to enjoy all of the good times. I will always remember him.
John Johnck
John Kilcullen
June 6, 2014
Jim,
Although we never met, I met you through your amazing, thoughtful daughter Cathy. She always spoke so lovingly of her parents and especially her Dad. I read with admiration the abbreviated story of your life. My wife is a fellow Santa Clara grad and clearly you must have been one heckuva hoops player. I am a fellow Jesuit (Fordham) and hoops fan and I hope you are resting in peace in Heaven ... enjoying meeting your old teammates who passed before you. God bless you and keep you. We could not be there today to pay our respects but you are much loved and your memory lives on through your family and grand children. Respectfully,
John, Jessica, Sean, Conor, Danny and Charlie Kilcullen
Debbie Williamson
June 6, 2014
To Shelley and her family during this time of significant loss, please know that God hears your heart's cries and cares. Hope this verse will encourage you all...
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
June 6, 2014
Dear Jim,
You helped make the SCU Class of 1960 so memorable and extraordinary. Thank you for touching so many lives in such an inspiring manner throughout your life. May your family be consoled and may you rest in peace.
Woody Nedom, Class of 1960
June 6, 2014
Very nice remembrance . We are honored to be at the service with all of your today. Frank and Michelle
Julie and Bruce Bettencourt
June 6, 2014
Dear Jim-
You've excelled to Glory! You are such a remarkable man. We are so grateful for the son you and Arlene raised, Tim, our nephew. We have been blessed to know you and Arlene. I'll never forget you with little Jimmy, your beloved pet! I'm sure you, Father Jack, and Carroll are enjoying one another!
Till we meet again,
Julie and Bruce Bettencourt
Our thoughts and prayers are with Arlene and the whole Russi family as they grieve the loss of this great man!
MELVIN RUSSI,MD
June 5, 2014
CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR THE RUSSI FAMILY. MEL RUSSI, (CLASS OF '60,SCU) AND LOIS RUSSI
John Bernie
June 5, 2014
Classmates through grammar school and high school. Go with God, Jim. To the family, My prayers are with you.
Jim Paul
June 5, 2014
Jim you will be missed immensely by all of the people whose lives you touched. You were a great inspiration to me not only in my athletic career but also in your devotion to your family. My first memories are of you coaching our eighth grade basketball team at St. Josephs. Later it was all those years of adult league and those days at the parks when playing with you and the boys and even Cathy meant staying on the court for a long time. May you rest in peace
Jim Paul
Barry Weiss
June 5, 2014
Jim truly did have a positive impact on many, many people. He certainly had an impact on me as a teacher, coach, adult basketball teamate and friend. It was always nice working with someone who had God and family first. He is now on God's team.
Maryeth Curtis Morelock
June 5, 2014
May Jim rest in peace. I was Carroll's best friend since I was four years old and remember Jim. I also remember you, Arleen, you were always such a warm, welcoming woman and I enjoyed the little time I was able to spend with you when Carroll and I were growing up. My love and prayers to you and our beautiful family. You will all be in my prayers.
Patricia Hazlitt
June 5, 2014
I will miss you greatly my Friend. (Even the "bad" jokes.) What a wonderful life you and Arlene shared.
Bob Barron
June 5, 2014
Jim you were a great teammate and friend who helped me with math.
Jodie Russi
June 4, 2014
God bless "Big Jim"! Thank you for making such a positive difference in the lives of so many. And, thank you and Arleen for raising such awesome children!
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