John David Russell

John Russell (91) of Clermont, FL, formally of Champaign, IL, died on March 19, 2025 in Clermont, FL. John was born on July 4, 1933, in Champaign, IL to Mr. Eugene H. Russell and Mrs. Marguerite Bothfuhr Russell.

He grew up in Champaign, and attended Dr. Howard Grade school, Kemper Military School and Graduated from Champaign High School in 1952. He attended Knox College in Galesburg and The U of I. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

John married Judy James of Decatur on April 2, 1955 in Illinois. She preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters; Virginia Ann and Mary Russell Watson.

Survivors include his three children; Mary Brenchley (Mark) of Clermont, FL, Lynn Russell of Bartow, FL, and son Jim Russell of Columbia, SC. 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

John went to work in the family business; Rialto Theatre in 1955. He took over management of the theatre and the Russell Building enterprise in 1960 till 1978, when he leased the Theatre to Kerasotas Theatres for 2 years before selling the property to the Robesons.

He then went to work at the Champaign Chamber of Commerce in 1979 as head of Membership Development and he retired in 1996.

As vice president and director of membership relations for the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce; he served on the board of director of Champaign Chamber of Commerce, Champaign Rotary Club, McKinley Y.M.C.A. and Champaign County club. He was also an avid fan of the Illini and Chicago Cubs.

John and his wife Judy moved to Florida in 1996 where they enjoyed visits from the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Family services will be held at a later date in Florida.

In lieu a flowers please donate to cornerstone Hospice Foundation

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E346236&id=2

2100 Oakley Seaver Dr, Clermont, FL 34711