John Thomas Russell Jr.

Our beloved John Thomas Russell, Jr., 84, of Lake Mary, Florida, died on the 4th of July 2024. He was born in Huntington, West Virginia, in his grandmother’s house on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1940, delivered by a female obstetrician still dressed in her New Years Eve party gown. Brought into this world with celebratory fireworks and honored again with fireworks at the end of his life.

He graduated from Simms Elementary School and then Vinson High School (1958) where he was a star athlete in basketball and went on to play basketball for Marshall University before the family moved to Orlando, FL. He then attended Orlando Junior College (AA 1963), and returned to Marshall University (BA 1965, MA 1966). Tom taught Freshman classes at Marshall as a Graduate Assistant, and then he was Assistant Principal at Vinson High School, while teaching History at Vinson; all while working on his Master’s Degree at Marshall University.

Tom and Jo Anna Daniels were married on June 26, 1964, and they just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They loved their lives together. Their main love and joy were their family. They were members of Winter Park Presbyterian Church in Winter Park, Florida.

Tom brought his family to Orlando, Florida in 1966 where he began his career at Orlando Junior College as assistant basketball coach and instructor of health and fitness and then held a similar position at, the then brand new, Valencia Community College from 1968-1972. Moving to live in DeLand, Florida, Tom was employed by Daytona Beach Community College, in Daytona Beach, Florida in positions including Head Basketball Coach, Instructor of a myriad of courses, and Department Chairman. He retired from DBCC after 26 years as a Professor of Health and Fitness and a total of 33 years in higher education. During that time, he also worked on his PhD at Florida State University and remained a staunch supporter of both the FSU Seminoles and Marshall University’s Thundering Herd.

Tom’s retirement was filled with activity as he proudly became involved in the lives, sports and performances of his grandchildren, continued with his exercise program, helped his mother as she lived to 92, volunteered in Jo Anna’s classroom once a week, and as always, donated blood—a passion that he shared with his girls, and they passed on to their children. He learned classical guitar and in his words: “I am planning a recital for about the year 2025. If I am able to hear, read the music and have fingers arthritic free and nimble enough to perform, then you are all invited.” They moved back to Orlando, Florida living in Baldwin Park for 19 years and added a miniature goldendoodle to the family. Tom was happy to share his favorite breakfast recipe for a Chocolate Banana Smoothie, as he continued to take care of his heart.

Tom was preceded in death by mother Mary Frances (Guthrie) Center, stepfather Robert Roy Center, and father John Thomas Russell.

Tom (Daddy, Papa) is survived by his wife Jo Anna Russell, brother Ron Russell (Anne), brothers-in-law Bill Daniels (Jenny) and David Daniels (Peggy), daughters Amy Nation-Westlake (Pete) and Pam Gould (Gardner), grandchildren Katie Clarke (Josh), Dylan Probert, and Olivia Nation, great-grandchildren Hannah, Lily, Emma, and Caleb Clarke, 5 nieces, 3 nephews, and many more family and friends. Tom was very invested in the welfare of his friends and family and supported their interests with enthusiasm.

Celebration of his life is expected to be arranged in the next few weeks and we will update place and time when available and know that we are trying to arrange something that allows both in person and online options. Please share with us any pictures and/or stories that are special to you, as we enjoy those moments as well as our own memories.

Simms, Simms forever, our watch word will be, always onward, upward to victory!