James Russell

James W. Russell

Age 89 of Morris, formerly of Springfield, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Lightways Hospsice Inpatient Unit.

Born June 9, 1932 in Springfield, Kentucky, James Ward was a son of Lucian and Augusta Russell. He was raised in Springfield, and on December 23, 1953 he married Sylvia LaVerne Tatum in Jeffersonville, Indiana. James then enlisted into the United States Army and served honorably from 1954 to 1955, working as a gunner and drove a supply truck.

Following his military service, he worked for his grandfather on the family farm. In 1966, James moved with his family to Morris, Illinois after hearing about good jobs from his sister. He gained employment with Material Services in Morris and worked there for 29 years. In his retirement, James continued to work and owned and operated Russell’s Nuisance Control.

He was a past member of the Loyal Order in Moose in Morris and a proud member of the National Rifle Association. James was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was a member of  the Trappers Association – Chapter 17. He had a gift for gardening as well as beekeeping in recent years. James will be remembered for his unique sense of humor and was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and out hunting and trapping with his boys.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, LaVerne Russell of Morris; four children: Ron (Debra Duras) Russell of Coal City, Keith (Tami) Russell of Morris, Steve (Christie) Russell of Morris, and Terry L. (the late Therese) Russell of Seneca; twelve grandchildren: Gwen Favero, Jacob Russell, Kristy Kromm, Skylar Miller, Nichole (Chuck) Lacey, James Johnson, Stephen Russell, James Russell, Ryan (Tiffany) Russell, Michaela Harlan, Kylie Russell, and Zach Russell, as well as numerous great grandchildren; two sisters: Helen Russell of Springfield, Kentucky and Sue (the late Gary) Ford of Summershade, Kentucky; two brothers-in-law: William (Pat) Tatum of Louisville, Kentucky and Danny (Theresa) Tatum of Lexington, Kentucky; one sister-in-law: Janice White of Louisville, Kentucky; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Anna (Bob) Kratchovil, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Clive Tatum, Lee Tatum, Jimmy Tatum, Graves Tatum, and Barbara Jean Tatum.

The family will receive friends for a visitation Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47), in Morris from 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral service, 7:00 p.m., with Reverend Dr. Roy Backus officiating.

Family and friends will gather Friday, August 6, 2021 at the funeral home to leave in funeral procession at 10:00 a.m. for interment with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, in Elwood at 11:00 a.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James’ memory to: VFW Post 6049, 309 McKinley Street, Morris, Illinois 60450 or Morris American Legion Post 294, 212 West Washington Street, Morris, Illinois 60450.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share James’ memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris (815) 942-2500 .