James Thomas Russell Jr.'s Obituary
James Thomas Russell Jr., 68, of Mount Gilead, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darrell Huneycutt officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care from 9:30 to 10:30 AM prior to the service.
Born on February 22, 1957, in Stanly County, NC, James was the son of the late James Thomas Russell Sr. and Loretta Yvonne Davis Russell. A proud and decorated veteran, James served in both the United States Air Force and Navy, earning the Bronze Star for his service. Following his military retirement, he continued to serve his community as a police officer and later as a dedicated truck driver for 16 years.
James was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of Prospect Baptist Church. He embraced life fully-with passion, courage, and joy. His family remembers him as stubborn yet kind, goofy and full of laughter, endlessly loving, and deeply proud of his children and grandchildren. He had a generous heart, a strong sense of family, and a profound love for his pets. James cherished his time with his grandchildren, always ready to make them smile and laugh. He loved life, loved God, and never wavered in his faith.
A true biker at heart, James found freedom and joy riding his Harley Davidson, often alongside friends and fellow veterans.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Denise Gills Russell; his children, Heather Del-Colle (Mark) of Raleigh and Shea Russell (Jasmine) of Badin; stepson, Charles Chinault (Nikki) of Fairlawn, VA; his brother, Randy Russell (Mary) of Albemarle; five beloved grandchildren, Cali, Madeline, Anthony, Willie, and Cairo; several nieces and nephews; and a special cousin, Eddie Furr of Garden City. He was preceded in death by his brother, James Allen Russell.
James leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and laughter that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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