James Byron Russell, 92, passed away on July 15, 2018, in Oklahoma City. He was born in Waldron, Arkansas to parents Oscar William and Hassie Smith Russell. He had 2 older siblings, sister AvaNell Russell Turman and brother Hymon Russell. Their childhood home in Hodgens, Oklahoma was located across the road from the Baptist Church they attended and that his father helped build.
On May 5, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 15. He served in the Aleutian Islands and European Campaign. Upon returning home in October 1945, he met Annedell Williams and they married on May 22, 1946. Two sons, James Jr. and Richard, were born in Heavener, Oklahoma. The family moved to Columbus, Ohio where James worked for the Norfolk and Western Railroad, and daughter Andrea was born in 1951. Returning to Oklahoma in 1954, the family resided in Oklahoma City, and twins Katherine and Kenneth were born in 1957. James worked as an electrician and spent 25 years as Building Superintendent for Sears, Roebuck and Co.
James was a devoted member of Springdale Baptist Church where he loved to sing in the choir. He had a big fun personality, loved to tell jokes and make people laugh, and never met a stranger. James was a faithful Christian and always led family and friends in prayer before meals.
James was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his daughter Andrea, and great granddaughter Ashley Lake Russell. He is survived by Annedell, sons James, Richard and Kenneth and daughter Katherine and husband Terry Brotherton, grandchildren Richard Russell, Jr., Christina Ruth Coleman, Jessie Brotherton Palovik and husband John Palovik, and Cody Russell Brotherton, great grandchildren Kane Russell, Braeden Russell, and Maximus Palovik.
A graveside service is planned for 10:00 a.m. Friday at Whisler Cemetery.