James Alex Russiff, age 83, of Olive, MT passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings.
Jim was born at Coalwood, Montana on May 8, 1928, the fourth son of Pete and Donna (Minow) Russiff. He attended the Cross S Elementary School and graduated from Custer County District High School in Miles City. Jim joined the Army and was sworn in on February 2, 1953 and served with the 2nd Armored Division. After some time stateside, he was stationed for two years in Germany and was honorably discharged on January 20, 1956. Before his Army days however, he had been introduced to Miss Faye Ross, courtesy of Bill and Lorraine Minow. On May 15th, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Faye, at the Terry Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. They lived in the Olive area and enjoyed ranch life. They had three children in two years (one set of twins). They celebrated 40 years of marriage and shortly after, Faye passed away.
Jim and Faye were members of Our Savior´s Lutheran Church in Broadus. Jim was a dedicated usher and served many years on the church council. He served on the Cross S School Board for many years. Jim and Faye´s home was always open to visitors and the coffee pot was always on, for both truly loved the art of conversation. Jim was especially close to his dear friend and brother-in-law, Kenneth Liles.
Jim enjoyed doing many things on the ranch. He treasured his big red combine, his 4 wheeler, his almost new Buick car and selling calves. He loved visiting with people, including people he met for the first time. Truly, Jim never met a stranger, just a new friend he had found. He will be remembered for his perpetually positive attitude, his zest for life, his strength and courage, his Bulgarian speaking ability, and last but not least, his repertoire of jokes, and his sense of humor.
Jim is survived by his daughter Barb and his granddaughter Kyla Faye, both of Springtown, TX; his son, Barry of the family ranch at Olive, MT; his daughter, Bonnie (Dave) Schott and grandchildren Jake and Marie Schott of Seattle, WA. Survivors also include many Minow, Russiff and Ross relatives and Jim cherished them all. Preceding him in death were his wife, his parents, all four brothers and their wives.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service to follow at 6:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579.
Should relatives and friends desire, memorial contributions can be made in Jim´s name to Our Savior´s Lutheran Church, Broadus, MT 59317.
Larry and Dawn Draine Family says
We were so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a fun, friendly person always ready to visit (and never stop). He was there to lend a hand when needed as I remember coming out of church one day seeing a flat tire on my car. He just took control and changed my tire for me. What a special man.
Sue Nichols (Gorman) says
Peace be with you all. I am sorry for your loss.
Marg Clark says
Barry, you and your sisters are in my prayers.
Sandy Rabe says
…and what a reunion it must be! God Bless you all.
David & Pam Nisley says
Our Sympanthies and prayers to all of you at this time. It is so very hard to lose a loved one. I (Pam)ran into Jim often in the IGA in Broadus, I always enjoyed our visits! Such an enjoyable man to converse with. He will be greatly missed. Again our deep condolences, and know our lives have been the richer for having known Jim on this side of heaven.
Lovingly, Pam & Dave Nisley
Kelli Rooney Klein says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Barbie, I’m not far away when you get back to Texas and I’m only a phone call away.
Holly Gundacker says
words can’t express how sad it is to hear of Jim’s passing. rest in peace, Dear Man. May the kids, grandkids and extended family and friends find comfort in all the happy memories at this difficult time.
Chuck Schott says
Great Picture that’s the way my minds eye pictures Jim. So sorry for your loss and pain, may the good memories help you though the coming days. Chuck & Tracy
Ken Minow says
To Jim’s family:I was so saddened to hear about Jim.My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours at this difficult time.I am really glad that I had just stopped by the hospital to see Jim.We had such an enjoyable visit-memories I’ll always cherish.
Unfortunately,I won’t be able to attend the service.I am in Kalispell and leave tomorrow for Vancouver BC,to be best man at a friend’s wedding.
Once again,my condolences.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
We thought so much of Jim. He was a good friend and a strong Christian example. We will miss his visits, his laughter and his friendship. Our prayers will continue for your family. God bless!
Norm & Julie Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We enjoyed visiting with Jim.
Dallas Janssen says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Will always remember the ease in which one could carry on a conversation. Our thoughts are with you all. Take Care.
Jill O'Connor says
Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that my prayers are with you at this difficult time. I’m blessed to have met your dad and hear him tell some funny North Dakota jokes. His smile and kindness will not be forgotten. Hugs to you all.
Rhonda Raschkow-Newkirk says
Barbie, Bonnie and Barry~ I am so thankful that I was home to see you and your Dad. I know that my short minutes with him were very precious, and I left with such hope for his recovery. Thank you for allowing me those moments. I will never forget getting up at the break of dawn to participate in the brandings at your family’s ranch. Your Dad has always been a special man. I will never forget how he would put such a smile on my face because of his genuine care and love. I know it has been years since the passing of your Mom, but she too, was an amazing woman. May God Bless you, may the celebration of Jim’s life today be filled with love, comfort, and shared memories with friends and family. Love to you all, forever and always.
Debbie & Jim Speicher says
Our prayers are with you as we can not be there in person. We will treasure our visit last year when your Dad made the long drive. May God bless you all in the long days ahead.
Mary Ellen Suckerman says
Barb, Barry and Bonnie, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear about your Dad. He was so full of fun and loved to talk to everyone. He will be missed! All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mary Ellen
Wanda Holmlund says
I met Jim while he was a patient at Extended Care and shared the dining room table with my mother. What a wonderful man you father was, well versed in many topics and so easy to talk to. My sincere condolences.
Dwayne Taylor says
Working here at Cenex Ive come to know Jim well. it was always a pleasure when Jim came to visit.
He will be missed .
Marvin Nelson says
Jim was not only a highschool classmate but a friend. Always enjoyed meeting Jim.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Jim will be missed by many. He was such a neat fellow, always so thoughtful and knew no strangers. Even if you only visited with him occassionally, you felt like you’d known him all your life. Heaven is blessed with his presence. All his family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Guy Lund says
What a great man. He will be missed. I never met Jim anywhere that he didnt have time to visit.