James Russell, age 79, of Miles City passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at the VA Nursing Home in Miles City.
On a fall day, September 10th 1933, Paul and Agatha Russell were blessed with a baby boy who they named James O. Russell. His life was a testament to the fact that if you work hard enough were honest, and cared about the people around you, you could achieve dreams thought impossible. As a child and young man he moved quite often and eventually Rosebud, MT is where his family settled. This became home for them and he continued to go down the path we call life. And it was quite a path he took. In 1951, he chose to enlist in the U.S. navy, where he would be assigned to the U.S.S. Iowa battleship. During his tour of duty he did take part in the conflict in Korea. Jim would leave the U.S Navy in 1954. He got to see the world during the service to his country, he earned the right to get two bluebirds on his chest which meant he had been on his ship over 20,000 nautical miles. While he was in the Navy he completed his G.E.D.,
Which meant there were could be bigger things for him to achieve. Jim met Darlene Handley and August 19th 1956 they were married. This union led to four children Jim and Darlene settled in Miles City where he became a repairman for the Maytag distributer and could fix anything on them. Jim then went on to Pine Hills School, while there he completed a dream, he loved working with kids so he enrolled at M.C.C. and got an associates degree in sociology, for the first time in his life he got to receive a diploma. The pull of working for himself was also very strong So he opened a wholesale dairy company called quality checked. It truly was an uphill battle but once again he overcame the odds. Jim was always looking for an opportunity so he sold his dairy company and opened Custer Chemical once again, quite the challenge. Jim worked very hard and once again he had created a viable business which he sold and went on to his first true love, working with kids. He went to work at Eastern Montana Industries until he became ill. He loved that job and the people he helped. Another thing he loved was riding his bike to and from work, he was able to do that right up to his illness. Jim was a family man he was not only dedicated to his kids but his grandkids and great grandkids. As life passed on Jim saw his daughters and son get married grandkids born great grandkids born and his pride grew with it he loved every minute he could spend with with his family. As the years passed he enjoyed his grandkids more and more he would just light up when they came around and the love was mutual, those kids truly loved their grandfather. Jim and Darlene’s family tree grew quickly looking back. Kim (Russell) married Ed Wheadon as a result there were three grandkids Jennifer, Justin and Tanena. Jim Russell Jr. has a daughter September (Russell) Harper. Laurie (Russell) Jerome was united in marriage to Dennis Jerome and they were blessed with two boys James and Jeremy. Karla Russell has a son Brent from there, there were10 great grandchildren born that were the light of Jim’s life. Summing up our spouse’s, Dads, and grandparents life is rather difficult he had so much to give to the world our family friends and his beloved city Miles City. Jim came from a family that was poor and moved a great deal his father went where the work was, even overseas so he came from a single parent home for a part of his life. Even with the odds stacked against him, Jim came out on top. He spent a lot of time with his grandparents when he was young and he could talk about those days like it was yesterday his face would light up when he talked about those days there was no T.V. no video games and the rest of the stuff the kids of today have. Each of his brothers and sisters got one new pair of pants for school and most of what they ate they grew or raised it. Now that I think about it he never complained about those days he looked back with pride and happiness. He was not afraid of work or anything else some people say they would give the shirt off their back if they needed it, Jim would not only say it, but would do it. He knew what it was like to need things not want but need Jim began writing western poetry several years ago and he truly was a natural he not only wrote poetry but became an accomplish poet. He was published in national books, magazines and was asked to read his poetry on the radio in South Dakota. Jim did meet a lot of people we would call stars but I never once saw him change the way he truly was, a genuine person. He also was asked to do a poem about Chris LeDeux, from Peggy Chris’s wife. He would tell his story about how he came up with that poem, It goes something like this he was out on a country road like he would do to think about what he was going to write he said what happened was a tumbleweed came across the road and the wind quit, the tumbleweed was gone. How he came up with those beautiful words from that I’ll never know. He also started a post card business and has them in several motels in Miles City; also he designed a clothing line with everything made in Miles City. He truly loved sitting out on the front porch of his house and talk to people that went by, and he would do the same thing at the fair he just loved talking to and meeting people. Jim our spouse, dad, and grandparent was a kind loving man that really fought hard to stay here with us but, God had other plans his body could take no more so God took him home. Jim had some very hard things to go through one of the times he made through a very tough procedure we were in I.C.U. in billings and I told him I’m really proud of you and he said I’m not ready to leave you guys yet, I knew then he would be ok but God said enough is enough my son come with me Jim was a very kind man and his favorite things were butterflies and children. If you would desire to make a memorial Jim would have preferred they were made to Head Start, Empty Stockings or any other local children’s cause.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 10:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 19, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday December 20, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday December 20, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 19, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Thursday December 20, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Thursday December 20, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Doreen Steiner Boyer says
Darlene and family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Caitlin and my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You during this difficult time.
Doreen and Caitlin
Linda Seleg Wyse says
Darlene and family; my deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. Remeber all the good times. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
James L. Arneson says
Sorry to hear that Jim passed this weekend. May the best of times and every great memory be what guides you through the days ahead. God is always there to heal us in times of loss.
Mike Wallick says
Jim and family,
I am so sad to hear of your dad passing. I wish you peace and comfort during this time.
Greg and Audrey Blind and family says
Darlene our prays are with you and your family .
Barb Ashley says
So sorry for your loss, Jim was a very special person. I first met Jim when you moved next door to my Grandmother back in the early days when the Kim,Laurie,Karla and Jim were very small. We used to visit over the fence all the time…seemed like visiting was better than doing any of the garden or yard work. Jim really was one of those people who could visit with anyone and make people happy just with his conversation and his wonderful poetry. Cherish all the memories you have as they will keep him with you always in your heart. God Bless all of you. Barbara Cook Ashley
Nora Drew says
Darlene and family- So sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. may your treasured memories bring you comfort.
God bless,
Nora Drew
Ruben and June Opp says
Darlene and family we are so sorry to see on the Internet of Jim’s passing our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time and the days ahead May God bless and comfort you all. Ruben and June Opp
Keith & Barb Hoover says
My best times of high school were spent at your house. You always welcomed this country hick. I will miss you Jim but now you are pain free and writing all kinds of poetry. I love You and I love your family. Tell we meet again!
Barb Phalen Hoover
Kimberly Neuhardt Neiffer(Larisa,Tanner&LaToya) says
Darlene and family,
I will always remember Jim with his endless smile and kind heart. The Miles City Community will never forget you.
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS,
Kimberly Neuhardt Neiffer
Larisa Watson & children
Tanner Neiffer
LaToya Neiffer
Kay Carlson says
My deepest sympathies to you Darlene and the whole family. I’ve known Jim since I was just a kid when he worked with Dad. Even after being gone for years he welcomed me back to Miles City like it had been just the day before when we last spoke. He was a great guy.
Alberta Blake says
Darlene I’m sorry to hear about Jim. I think of you two at Christmas time and the ornaments I gave him and how much he loved them. My thoughts and prayer are with you!
Betty Fridrichson says
Darlene Sorry to see you have lost Jim. Last time I saw him was at nursing home while our son was there. Being Christmas time, it will remind us that Jesus is our hope of eternal life together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Russell Family, Sorry I cannot be there for Jim’s funeral, but you are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Mike and Deeon Bickle says
Our deepest sympathy.
Clara Jo Arneson ( Sikveland ) says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May memories always lift you up. God Bless.
Marty & Jeanette O'Dea says
Darlene, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim will be missed.
Charlotte (Simonsen) Peiler-Guptill says
Darlene and all Jim’s family,
It’s been a long time since we first met through the Cowboy Poetry Gatherings and especially the great time at the Hathaway one in the early 90s. You guys opened your home for me to stay there afterwards and we had such a good time. Jim was a wonderful poet, a neat man and all of you were blest to have him as family. I was honored to know him as a friend. Although, I hadn’t seen you guys in many years, friends would share with me when they’d seen you guys and would fill me in on how you were doing. I know you will miss him so terribly much. May God give you comfort in your memories. With love of friendship, sympathy and prayers. May Jim rest in peace in God’s arms.
Whitney Smith says
Jim was a great man. i worked with him for a lot of years at EMI. Every morning when we would transport our clients to the workshop he was there to recieve them with a smile. He wasn’t only nice to the clients but he also acknowledged the staff with a friendly “good morning” every morning you would pass by him. I honestly don’t think that there was one day that he wasn’t happy. I was so shocked when he became sick because you would have never guessed from the smile on his face. I am so sorry for your loss, Jim was a great man and will be remembered for his kindness and generousity.
Tracee Raymond & Goody Pickering says
Darlene & the Family of Jim Russell,
Due to family circumstances we will not be able to attend Jim’s service. We would like you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim will be missed very much!
Deb Bartholomew says
Russell Family,
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will miss Jim riding by my parents house and seeing him around on his bike. He was a great person and always stopped to visit. Always remember “When a Loss Becomes a Memory, That Memory Becomes a Treasure”. Jim will always be a treasure in your hearts!
Gary & Roberta Rickman says
Darlene, Kim, Jimmy, Laurie & Karla,
So very sorry. Jim was “one of a kind” and memories of him will be with us for a very long time. His poem “Ode to the Cedar Fence Post”, that he gave to the Morgan family many year ago, hung on my parents wall until their passing and has been on mine since.
God bless all of you.
Bobbie Kay
B Dean Holmes says
Deaar Darlene, Jim’s passing fill my mind with many memories. He should have been named gentle Jim in every way. You mentioned he liked to visit…. well I don’ t know of anyone who did not enjoy his conversation and infectous smile. In his case this world is a better place because James Russell. He always loved to visit with us Rosebud kids. Our Prayers are with you and your family. Mayor Dean
Joe & Ginger Weiss says
Darlene & Family, we were so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. Let your wonderful, loving memories carry you through this difficult time. God bless you. Sent with love and prayers.
Carroll South says
Darlene, so sorry to hear about Jim. I always enjoyed being around him and thought he was a great, compassionate person.
Tanna Aye says
Dearest Darlene, Kim, Jim, Carla and Laurie,
My heart goes out to you on the loss of such a fine man. How our lives takes such twist and turns. So many years and so many fun times. You will be in my prayers .
Russ Richards says
Darlene and family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, he was truly a very special person and a dear friend to me.Prayers and my blessing are with you all at this time.
Leslie Manning says
One heck of a nice wonderful person enjoyed visiting with Jim
Bonnie Bergerson says
Darlene, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this hard time.
Hazel Bissell says
Dear Darlene and family, so sorry I can’t be there for services but know I am thinking of you .Just remember all the good times and memories, we shared a lot.over the years.. so glad I was able to visit him this summer… take care ..Hazel
Virginia & Duane Strohmayer says
Darlene and Family so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We are in Az. so will not be able to attend
but our thoughts and prayers. will you during this hard time . May your memories of happier time help you through this hard time.
Dawn Lucero says
Darlene and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will never forget Jim, he was a great guy and a great uncle. Him and Gary sure could tell some stories! Oh, the fun they will have now. May all the memories keep you at peace!
Bonnie Scott says
Darlene and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. We all lost another good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Norton and Jule Walker says
Darlene, Carla, Brent, Laurie, James and Jeremy and family
Our thoughts are with all of you. Jim was such a nice guy. We truly enjoyed his poetry and stories. Remembering you in our prayers at this difficult time.
Kerm and Carole Bitz says
Darlene and family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He had some difficult last years, but what a great life he lived. Be thankfull, not sad. God bless.
Cousin Kerm
Sonja Crocker says
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a talented writer. Loved to visit with him about the area history. A proud Rosebud Alumni and a well thought of man.
Lyle Horr says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tucker says
Darlene, I feel fortunate to have spent time with Jim during my fifteen years in Miles City. Our common love of poetry and his kind smiling eyes will always be a fond remembrance.. Jim invited me to entertain three times for the
annual gathering of lifetime residents of Montana. I felt honored by Jim to have been asked.
I visited Jim at the VA the day I left Miles City. It was a wonderful last memory. Jim was happy and excited as Darlene was coming to take him home. Darlene consider this a hug and condolences from Denver.