James "Jim" C. Russell

James “Jim” C. Russell

Loving Father, Grandfather, & Brother -

James “Jim” C. Russell, age 75, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Altoona and Huntingdon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.  Jim was born on Friday, March 7, 1941 in Hagerstown, MD to the late Charles Hester Russell and Mary Frances (Riley) Russell Hussong.  Jim was the widower of The Reverend Shirley J. (Jacobs) Russell, whom he married on June 7, 1964, and who died on September 22, 2016.  In addition to his parents and wife, Jim is preceded in death by his sister, Blanche A. Kintzel and his brother, Raymond Russell.

Jim’s survivors include his three children: Sharon Russell of Ann Arbor, MI, David Russell of Mechanicsburg, Scott Russell of Harrisburg; his grandson, Zachariah James Russell; and his four siblings: Janice R. Walter of Chambersburg, Paul Hussong of Colorado Springs, CO, Markwood Russell of Richmond, VA, Vivian Leigh Davis of Hagerstown, MD.

Jim attended Quincy High School where he played the saxophone for the Quincy Home.  He then studied to be a printer at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster.  Jim began working at the Baltimore Sun and then for the Evangelical Press in Camp Hill.  He retired from Fry Communications, Inc. in Mechanicsburg, after over 25 years of service working as a bindery supervisor.  Jim also retired from Jostens Printing & Publishing in State College.  Jim was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Churches.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #109 in Mechanicsburg.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Shirley.   When she joined the pastorate, he agreed to relocate with her in order for her to pursue her career.  He was also dedicated to his children, whom he loved dearly and dutifully worked to better their lives.  In his retirement years, he enjoyed family outings and vacations.  He traveled to the seashore, Boston, and Ann Arbor to attend a football game.  Jim reveled in going to hunting and fishing camp with his son, David, in Northern Pennsylvania.  He loved to fish and watch sports, especially the Baltimore Orioles and Colts.  Most importantly, Jim loved his family and he cherished the time they spent together; he will be missed dearly.

All are welcome to join Jim’s family at his viewing on Thursday, February 16, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. until time of service at 12:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 135 West Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Dennis Keller and Reverend D. David L. Reed officiating.

Burial will follow in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill.  Honored to be pallbearers are Scott Russell, David Russell, Zachariah Russell, Ron Stricker, and Rick Maus.

Contributions in celebration of Jim’s life, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Crop Hunger Walk, 28606 Phillips Street, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515, www.CropHungerWalk.com, Heifer Internation, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202, www.Heifer.org, or the Alzherimer’s Association – Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110, www.Alz.org.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Buhrig.com .