James Michael "Mike" Russ

Mike had a servant's heart. He served his Country, his City, and his church.

Mike was born and raised in Southport, NC. He had an all-American childhood, with his extended family nearby. He played little league ball for the Waccamaw Bank Indians team, coached by his father. He graduated from South Brunswick High School in 1985.

When Mike enlisted with the US Navy at age 19, he was off into the great unknown. He always said the Navy allowed him to “see the world”. AO1 Russ retired from the United States Navy in December 2006 after twenty years of faithful service. He achieved the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman First Class. AO1 Russ had a distinguished career and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4). His many other honors included the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3), Southeast Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, Armed Forces Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), Navy Recruiting Service Medal, NATO Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Flag Letter of Commendation (3) and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia. His assignments included a number of Carrier Air Wing Groups including USS ROOSEVELT CVN 71, the USS EISENHOWER CVN 69, and the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY CVN 79. AO1 Russ served as ships-company aboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN CVN 72 and also served as a Navy Recruiter stationed at NRD Jacksonville.

Sergeant Russ began his career with the Chattanooga Police Department in February of 2007. Officer Russ served as a Patrol Officer in Neighborhood Policing and as a Traffic Investigator. He was promoted to Sergeant in April 2021 and served as a Patrol Supervisor in Neighborhood Policing (Charlie North). He most recently served as a Supervisor in the Court Liaison Office. He was a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team, Crisis Intervention Team, Incident Management Team, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, and Peer Support. He previously served as a member of the Honor Guard.

Sergeant Russ received a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Bethel University in 2020 and considered this one of his proudest accomplishments. He was a member of Silverdale Baptist Church where he served as a small group leader alongside his wife, Angela. He was a member of Harrison Lodge 114, the Fraternal Order of Police Rock City Lodge 22, and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers 673. For the past 10 years, Sgt Russ has been a member of Law Enforcement United - Team Chattanooga, and participated in LEU’s Road to Hope, to honor fallen officers and remember the survivors.

Mike met his wife of 28 years, Angela, on a blind date while stationed on Recruiting Duty in Albany, GA. He was a passionate Bar B Que’r and lifelong foodie. He loved to ride bikes with his wife and enjoyed time on the back deck around the fire pit. He had a huge soft heart for all animals and especially loved his two cats Ponch and Jon. He was a son, brother, husband, friend, leader, and mentor, and had a passion for serving others. He will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and commitment to serving others.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Eugene Russ. He is survived by his mother, Mary Russ of Southport, NC; loving wife, Angela Russ; and his brother, Rusty Russ (Laurie) of Southport, NC. Nieces, April Harris (Josh) of Reidsville, NC, Courtney Russ of Southport, NC, and nephew ET3 Dylan Russ of Southport, NC. Grand nephews, Austin, Kaleb, and Wesley Harris all of Reedsville, NC; and many cousins and extended family.

The family will receive friends Thursday, December 7th, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Silverdale Baptist Church, 7236 Bonny Oaks Dr, Chattanooga, TN.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at noon at Silverdale Baptist Church, 7236 Bonny Oaks Dr, Chattanooga, TN with Pastor Tony Walliser officiating.

Burial will follow at 1:30 PM at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.

Pallbearers will be Sgt Michael Ortel and Officers Anthony Jamerson, Warren Moody, Stephen Prinzo, Stephen Shoemaker, and Aaron Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Law Enforcement United, 826 Rokeby Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23325. https://www.leunited.org/

Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.