James Joseph Russo Jr.

1939 - 2017

James Joseph Russo Jr. of Tawas City passed away at his home on Sunday, May 7, 2017, age 77 years.
Jim was born on Dec. 21, 1939 in Sault Ste. Marie to James Joseph and Vera Marie (Siltala) Russo Sr. He met and married the love of his life, Roseann (Price), in 1961 and together they have celebrated 54 beautiful years of marriage.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Roseann Russo of Tawas City; five children, Mike (Michelle) Russo of Tawas, Steve (Jill) Russo of Snohomish, Wash., Anne (Tim) Blackmore of Tawas, Amy (Vincent) Perciaccante of Peachtree City, Ga. and Sarah (Steve) Gorman of Grand Blanc; 13 grandchildren, Danielle (Christina), Zachary (Ashley), Keenan, Erica, Hannah, Alysse, Haley, Jack, Somer, Antonia, Dominic, Emma and Brady; two brothers, John (Susan) Russo of Edina, Minn. and Patrick (Deb) Russo of Birmingham; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vera Russo Sr.; and two granddaughters, Lillian and Isabella Knotts.
Jim worked at Wurtsmith Air Force Base for 28 years as the base chief engineer while maintaining his own business, Russo Engineering in Tawas City, with the help of his sons, Mike and Steve, at different intervals. He continued to work with his son, Mike, in keeping the business reputable and expanding.
Jim and Roseann loved to travel. They lived in High Wycombe, England for three years during his time at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In amongst their travel together, they spent time in Italy, Germany and Austria. Jim and Roseann also spent numerous winters in the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Puerto Rico with close friends. He was a huge community supporter and volunteered countless hours to the benefit of our town.
Jim had previously served on the Tawas Area Schools Board of Education, Tawas St. Joseph Hospital Board of Directors and the Tawas City Planning Commission. He was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 2709.
Jim loved being outdoors, especially spending time hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed the many trips to Canada with his sons, grandson and friends. In his free time, Jim would play cards with anyone who was around, read, garden and working on finishing writing his life story. He was a connoisseur of history, education, politics and fun facts he shared willingly with anyone who listened. Jim truly will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
His family will welcome friends for visitation on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. There will be a rosary prayed at 7 p.m. A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas with Father Lawrence Boks officiating. Friends and family may pay their respects at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass on Saturday. Burial will take place in Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery in Tawas City. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.