Jim Russell

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jimmy G. ‘Jim’ Russell, 81, Neosho, entered into rest on Jan. 10, 2018 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin.  

Jim was born Jan. 26, 1936 in Merkel, Texas to Selma G. and Anna Mae (Harris) Russell. He graduated from Merkel High School, where he was a proud Badger and excelled in high school sports. 

 He married Loretta Elizabeth Carter on June 24, 1954 at the United Methodist Church in Neosho. He attended Texas Tech and University of Arizona, pursuing a degree in animal husbandry and worked on the farm division. In 1959, they moved to Neosho. Jim went to work for New Mac Electric in 1960 and retired in 1995 as manager. 

 Following retirement, he returned to work on the brush cutting crew as mediator for right of way permission and also worked for KAMO Electric as safety director. Jim was very charismatic, never meeting a stranger, enjoyed every person he met and not afraid to get his hands dirty helping, unless it involved heights. He was very community minded and volunteered tirelessly in the local 4-H clubs for over 50 years and was honored by having the new 4-H Show Arena named in his honor. He was awarded for his work in the local FFA chapter, was a member of the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, an elected member to the Neosho School Board and AFC Board. He was a lifetime member of the Newton County Cattlemen’s Association. Jim was a member and deacon at Cave Springs Baptist Church from 1960-1996. He is a current member of the Faith Baptist Church in Neosho. His lifelong enjoyment has been his family, his faith and his livestock. From the time he was 14 years old, he has shown and cared for cattle and has crossed the nation many times over by train and truck showing his, his children’s and his grandchildren’s livestock in national and local shows. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Loretta of the home; ten children, Jimmy G. Russell Jr. and wife, Sandy of Lynnwood, WA; Davie A. Russell and wife, Carolyn of Neosho; Bobby G. Harris and wife, Joletta of Neosho; D’Ann Russell of Colorado and Charles l. Russell and wife, Renee of Neosho; Jacob N. Russell and wife, Courtney of Blue Springs; James ‘Wade’ Russell and wife, Lateshia of Wynattskill, NY; Billy VanDorn of Neosho; Goldie Bradford and husband, Ben of Loveland, CO and Eva R. Birch and husband, Chris of Neosho; twenty seven grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and 36 foster children.

Services will be Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at 10 am at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Rev. Frank Ward will officiate. Interment will follow in the Thrasher Cemetery and serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy, Davie, Bobby, Charles, Jake and James. The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Sunday from 2 to 3 pm at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Faith Baptist Church mission fund, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.