JAMES RUSSELL Obituary

James Wesley Russell, Sr. made his final journey on April 10, 2013. He was a resident of El Paso, Texas since 1951 prior to that he lived in Northwest Texas and New Mexico. After serving his time in the Army Air Force becoming a P.O.W. in Germany after his B-17 was shot down during WWII. He married Georgia C. Russell in 1945. After getting his degree in education from Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM in Industrial Arts, he moved to El Paso, Texas in 1951 with his wife and 3 children. He taught at Austin H.S., and retired from Burgess H.S. in 1988. He set the example for his students to be successful and fair to others. After he retired he became involved with the Veterans Administration, the Order of the Purple Heart, D.V.A., and the American Legion. He cared very much what happened to veterans of El Paso. He was preceded in death by his father Roscoe C. Russell, his mother, Vera A. Russell, sister Lahoma Cook, brother Roscoe C. Russell, Jr. and step-granddaughter Lorita Allen. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Georgia C. Russell, 3 children James W. Jr., (Selinda), Dennis W, (Greta) Sharron D, and 5 grandchildren: James III, Michelle(Todd), Christopher, Miranda (Virgil) and Denise. He also has 6 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. There are too many "adopted children" to mention, they know who they are. Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 9:00am to 11:00am. at Harding-Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home, 320 Montana Ave. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am followed by Interment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Jr., Dennis, James III, Christopher, Todd and Chuck. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Driskill and Melissa Pease. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 4300 E. Paisano Dr. 915 544-9811 or the Red Cross, 3620 Admiral St. 915 433-9811. Thank you to Harding-Orr & McDaniel, Pastor Patrick Six, and Robert McEnroe and to friends that came. Eulogy will be said by Robert McEnroe. Funeral Services entrusted to Harding-Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home, 320 Montana Avenue. www.FunerariaDelAngelHarding.com

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Published by El Paso Times from Apr. 13 to Apr. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES RUSSELL

13 Entries

Paul Wesley Bagwell

May 5, 2014

He is one of my heroes. From White Deer, WWII, EP Burges Spring of 1961 wow what a man. For 70 years I have proudly and with honor carried his name.

Rodolfo Hernandez

April 20, 2013

I had the honor to be a colleague of Mr. Russell at Burges H.S. Condolences to his family...He was a good man and a good teacher.

Steve Braselton

April 20, 2013

I attended Burges H.S. from the first year it opened in 1955 and was among those who graduated in 1959 as the first four year graduating class. While attending Burges, I played in several sports activities; Football, Basketball, & Baseball & in my experience in these sporting activities I encountered Coach Russell as a man of integrity, honesty, & a man who truly cared for his athletes as young people who needed to be encouraged, cared for, & if need be, reprimanded. I know persoanlly he made a impression upon me for the proper approach to life.

So, I send my sincere condolences to the Russell family for their loss & my gratitude for the life & ministry of Coach Russell.

Steve N. Braselton

Jose R. Villescas, R. Ph.

April 18, 2013

Coach Russell was a man's man...a wonderful teacher and gifted trainer. He kept many a lame pony in the fight...his strong hands taped our sprained ankles on the basketball team as well as all team sports. Generous with his advise on how to proceed with the recovery process and encourage return visits until we were fully mended. His presense during our games was always a plus because as young kids we looked up to this true gentleman. Thanks Mr. Russell. My most profound condolences to your family,
Jose R. Villescas, R. Ph.

April 17, 2013

We, of the Burges Class of 1959, extend our deepest sympathy to Coach Russell's family. He impacted many of our lives and we have great memories of him. His was a life well lived! May God bless and comfort his family. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Burges Class of 1959

Chuck & Robin Van Demark

April 16, 2013

To the kindest and generous man whose heart extended to all he touched. We love you and feel grateful to be part of your family. Although you are no longer physically here with us you will be in our hearts forever. We thank God he gave us the chance to know you. With love

James/Ellen Givens

April 15, 2013

To the Russell Family:
We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to you at this time. I(Ellen) was a counselor with Georgia in YISD. My husband also knows her through YISD. May God bless and keep you at this time.

Rickey Benitez

April 15, 2013

I have to say he was my favorite teacher at Burgess and I was blessed to have taken all four years of his drafting classes. He was a great teacher, mentor, and role model. He will always be remembered as one of the finest people I've had the privilege to know.

Tim Stanley

April 15, 2013

Coach Russell taught me mechanical drawing I at Burges 1963-64, a fine man. Since I was a senior in an otherwise freshman class he gave a list of all the drawings that I needed to class over Christmas break. Well I did them all bythe time school started again in January thinking I could rest for the remainder of the. Year! Ah ! He called me into his office after. A week of leisure and handed me the second year book and told me I was behind ! Great man I did finish the second year course with what was left of the school year.

April 14, 2013

Gerry, Sharron, Jimmie, Dennis and families - The Bible tells us that those who believe on him will enter the gates of heaven and be whole again. There will be no pain, physical ailments, or sorrow, only rejoicing. Knowing this will help you in your sorrow as Jim is not with us here on earth. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Love - Paul and Beth Bagwell and families.

Paul Haupt

April 14, 2013

Jim and Gerry certainly lived their commitment to education and the educational community. I had the pleasure of serving with both on numerous committees. They helped to teach me "the ropes" of being an advocate for teachers and students in TSTA/NEA. They didn't come any better than Jim. An educational icon is now gone. My sympathies to Gerry and the family.

Larry D. Aguirre

April 13, 2013

I was one of Mr. Russell's many students at Burges. A class act teacher who had the gentle approach and never lost interest in caring and giving each of us the attention in teaching drafting. With his knowledge passed on to me, I was able to obtain employment with a local architect. I have never forgotten him and wished I had thanked him. May he rest in peace and his family recover from their great loss.

K Carol Hamilton

April 11, 2013

My DEAREST UNCLE, you are my hero! My heart is with you same as it was when you were a POW..... I love you and treasure you, thanking you for the blessing of the family you have given me.... My Aunt Gerry, Sharon, Jimmie and Dennis. We are so blessed by your presence in our lives and continued by our memories ...forever ... your niece Kathryn Carol.

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