James R. Russo

Born on May 18, 1925 in Montclair, N.J., to Daniel and Mary Russo, Jim was the third of six children; he preferred either “Jim” or “Jimmy” to the more formal “James.” He attended Montclair schools, and during his senior year in high school, wishing to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and rose to the rank of third mate on a P.T. boat in the South Pacific. He received several medals for bravery in active combat. After returning home, he graduated from Montclair High School and attended Pace University, majoring in marketing and business. His career was largely in sales and marketing for varied corporations, among them Sears Roebuck and Co., John’s Bargain Stores and Gino’s Foods, a restaurant/food company owned by The Marriott Corporation.

After retiring Jim continued to work at The Warrenbrook Country Club, running the pro shop and giving golf lessons. Up until his later years when he could no longer play, Jim was always enamored with golf. Starting as a caddy at the Montclair Country club as a young boy, Jim carefully observed the players and became an avid and proficient golfer, playing whenever he got the opportunity, entering, and occasionally winning tournaments at local Country Clubs throughout Montclair, Roseland, Branchburg and Whiting. Jim was also a lifelong fan of the New York Giants football team, win or lose.

In 1950 he married Marie Weber, with whom he had two daughters, Lynne and Lorie; they divorced in 1972. Jim later married Patricia Zirkle in 1975. Jim embraced her six children from a previous marriage, and became a second father to them all. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, neighbor, and friend. He was kind to everyone, encouraging and instilling in his children empathy, honesty, and love of his country. He will truly be missed by all who knew him, family and friends alike.

Jim was predeceased by four siblings and their spouses: Concetta Fiorentino and her husband, John; Madeline Mondello and her husband Jerry; Diane Ciminera, and Alphonso Russo and his wife, Madeline.

Jim is survived by his wife of over 40 years Patricia, Children; Lynne DeCicco and her husband John, and their son David; Lorie Greenspan and her husband, Marc; Christopher Zirkle and his wife, Cathy; Neal Zirkle and his wife, Rose Marie; David Zirkle and his wife, Edith; Steven Zirkle, Amy Zirkle, Janet Stage and her husband, Michael. He is also survived by his sister Lorraine Hermann and her husband, Robert, a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held Monday, 2-4 p.m., at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Road, Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church, 30 Schoolhouse Road, Manchester, Tuesday, 10:45 a.m. For additional information or to post a tribute online please visit www.andersoncampbellwhiting.com