We are saddened to announce the death of James Alfred Russell (Jim, Dad, Biggie) of Mobile, Alabama on December 6, 2021. He died peacefully at the home of one of his children of natural causes, surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He was born on March 19, 1933 in Why Not, MS to Alfred Hamilton Russell and Myrtis Agnes Butler who later married James Wilson Simmons. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Ann Sanders and his parents. He is survived by his brother Larry Butler Simmons (Deborah), his son Clifford Russell (Deborah), his daughters Terri Willis (David) and Nancy Coleman (Barry), five grandchildren, Brooke Martin (Ryan), Scott Russell, Alison Russell, Jacob Coleman (Rae), Max Coleman (Victoria) and 2 great granddaughters, Tenley Martin and Elizabeth Coleman.
He started working after high school with the Greenville, Mississippi fire department until he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean War. When he returned from the Army he took classes at Mississippi State until he meet his wife Patricia and married. James hired on at the L&N Railroad in 1956 prior to getting married. They soon had one son and two daughters while James continued his education at an extension of The University of Alabama. James first love was baseball and he played in high school, in the minor leagues with the Fort Walton Flyers, in the Army and in men's league games until he was 39. After the end of his baseball playing days he coached baseball in Little League and Babe Ruth League and won 2 league championships. In 1963 he was elected to be the union representative for the local 598 and moved forward with that job until he was appointed a fulltime union representative position in 1976. While serving in the appointed position he received 16 yearly Million Dollar awards and 3 Man of the Year awards. He was also a Shriner and Masonic Lodge member. He retired from the railroad/union position in 1998. He was a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Braves. One of his great joys was being a grandfather. He confessed Jesus as his Savior in early 2021.
March 19, 1933 ~ December 6, 2021 (age 88)
Visitation will be held on December 10, 2021, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM in the chapel. Interment will follow in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Cliff, sorry for the loss of your dad. Jim was a true friend to many of us. Trusting that your family will be safe and well. Praying for the family.