James P. Russell
James P. Russell, Sr., 88, of Hughesville and Clarkstown, died Friday December 4, 2009 at the Kramm Nursing Center, Milton. He was born June 2, 1921, in Lewisburg, a son of the late Paul Albert and Olive Irene (Keefer) Russell. August 14, 1943, he married Josephine E. Myers, who died June 28, 1995.
He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Hughesville. He served our country from 1944-1946, in the Army during World War II. He was wounded during the Battle of the Buldge, and received the following commendations, 2 purple hearts, a bronze star, numerous combat badges and a good conduct metal.
Jim attended Lewisburg school until 8th grade when he attended a sheet metal course at the former Williamsport Technical School and worked for G.L. Martin Defense plant as a sheet metal worker. During the late 1960’s he attended school again to become a plumber and pipe fitter. He was self-employed for many years, belonging to Local 520, Harrisburg until his retirement in 1983. He was a life member of American Legion Post, 35, VFW Post 3428, the Moose, the Eagles, Hughesville Volunteer Fire Co., the National Rifle Association and the North American Hunting Association. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, hunting, fishing, gardening and was known for his Veterans Rose and helping the local veterans organizations with military services.
He is survived by a two sons, James P.(Donna) Russell, Jr. and John M. (Jane) Russell, both of Hughesville; 7 grandchildren, James Russell, III, Jeffery Russell, Joseph Russell, Dana Schneider, Kimberly Mitch, Shane Schneider and Cortney Bennett, 15 great-grandchildren, four sisters, Aida Mull, Lewisburg; Jean Lilley, Lewisburg; Hazel Swartz, Lewisburg and Helen Prah, Allenwood; three brothers, Elwood, West Milton; Weber, Sunbury and Donald Russell, Lewisburg.
In addition to his wife of 53 years, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy A. Schneider, two sisters, Ida Mae Fisher and Nancy Powell and a brother, Nelson Russell and three sisters in infancy.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. last Wednesday in the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville with the Rev. Barbara Kaetzel-Row, officiating. The interment was at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with graveside military honors provided by area veteran’s organizations. The family received friends in the funeral home Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of Bethany United Methodist Church, 111 S. Second St., Hughesville, PA 17737.