James was raised in Dallas, Texas and graduated from John Brown University in 1962. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Electrospace Systems Inc. (ESI) where he worked for a number of years.
In his spare time, James enjoyed working on cars, driving his '57 Chevy Bel Air and riding his '79 Harley-Davidson Sportster. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage and working the New York Times crossword puzzles. His family and friends will always remember him as a NASCAR fan and lifelong dirt track racing fan, especially sprint cars.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and LeEtta Russell; and his sister, Bobetta Russell.
He is survived by his son, Jason Russell; daughter, Vicki (Russell) Baird and husband Ziggy; grandchildren, Andy Russell, Ashley (Russell) Czosnyka and husband Brandon, Austin Russell, Haley (Hines) Kubis and husband Devon, and Keegan Hines; and great-grandchildren, Amelia Czosnyka and Max Czosnyka.
