Jason K. Russell

Jason K. Russell, 59, rode off into the sunset on Saturday July 23, 2022. Born in Methuen on September of 1962, just short of his sixtieth birthday, he was the fourth of the five children of Max and Meredith (Laing) Russell of Ipswich.

Jason was raised in Andover and then Ipswich when his family in 1979 bought Goodale (now Russell) Orchard. He lived and raised his family, for the most part of the next forty years, on the orchard. He was an integral part of the success of the orchard offering his problem-solving skills over the years.

Jason was "wicked smaht" and wry with his own very distinct personality. He was a self-proclaimed rebel and had a heart of gold. He was creative, capable, and kind. He was a subtle person that didn't seek the limelight, but he was adored by all who met him. And Jason had 'tude'. Even as a kid he defied the norms. He had swagger. He had charisma. He was a snappy – possibly trend setting - dresser even at an early age. In later years he settled on the outfit that perfectly captured his personality, black jeans, t-shirt, trucker wallet and really nice boots. Jason's passions included his love for his family and friends.

One of his greatest joys was becoming a Grampy. He wasn't your average grandfather, instead, showering the kids with fake tattoos, bubbles, bumper stickers and very unpractical gifts. He was an avid and accomplished outdoorsman. He loved an open-road ride on his Harley, exploring backroads and hunting down all the great local restaurants. He had a true appreciation for black and white classic movies and, of course, rock and roll. He was gifted in so many ways. As a teenager he was an extraordinary photographer with a keen eye for his subjects. As an adult he demonstrated an amazing ability to embrace technology in the early years of the tech revolution. In recent years he was the go-to guy to put telephone and internet and other services in place for movie locations up and down the east coast. As always, he made a big impression on the movie crews and especially the movie stars.

In addition to his parents and the many people who loved him Jason is survived most importantly by his children, Crystal Russell-Howes and her husband Bo, Alex Russell and his wife Jessalyn; their children Lennin, Trigger and Z all of Ipswich and Chelsea Gagnon of Maine. He is also survived by his "favorite ex-wife" and love of his life, Maureen (Kelley) Russell; a sister, Laura Russell; two brothers, Matt Russell and his love Sarah Winslow of Andover, Doug D. Russell and his wife Miranda of Ipswich; his life-long friend, Dave Giroux and Dollie; many nephews; nieces; great nephews; great nieces and extended family members to whom he gave all his love and time. Jason was predeceased by his younger brother, Aaron Russell in 2020. We will miss Jason all day, every day.

A memorial gathering for Jason will be held at the Ipswich VFW Post #1093 on 110 County Road in Ipswich Saturday July 30, 2022, at 1pm. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Jason to come and recount memories, tell stories and celebrate the special and irreplaceable person that he was. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich.