James Lee Russell

1942 - 2023

James Lee Russell

July 3, 1942 - April 23, 2023

James Lee Russell of Mt. Pleasant, N.C. passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, April 23, 2023. He was born in Cortland, N.Y. to the late Lee and Sylvia Russell. He married Mae Ann (Simpson) Russell in August of 1961 and was blessed with two wonderful sons John and Brent.

Jim was a dedicated father and husband foremost. He treasured his family, his animals and feeding the hungry in the community. He especially loved being a grandfather to his five grandchildren. He was a compassionate giver of his time and strived to give back to his community and friends. As he got older, he loved being a gentleman farmer to his goats, chickens, rabbits, and bees.

As a young man, Jim grew up on a dairy farm in the rolling hills of upstate New York. He did everything from driving dump trucks, to owning restaurants and convenience stores. Later in life he started a small construction company and loved being a Jack of all trades. He and his wife (Mae) of 61 years settled in Mt. Pleasant, N.C. in 1982.

He will be missed greatly by many and is survived by his loving wife (Mae); four beautiful sisters Roberta Harris (Jim), Loretta DeBottis (Joe), Melinda VanEtten (Sod) and Sylvia Stith (Alan) and his sons John Russell (Susan) and Brent Russell (Heather); grandchildren: Keri, Kristi, Josh, Jacob and Ethan – as well as many nieces, nephews, three great grandchildren and numerous grand dogs and cats.

The family will be having a private service at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant and will be receiving guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Wednesday April 26. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mt. Pleasant Food Ministry, P.O. Box 134, Mt. Pleasant NC 28124, where Jim volunteered for over 15 years.