James Russell

James D. “Jim” Russell (BIL #1), 66, died at 6:41 a.m. Friday, September 16, 2011 at his home in Godfrey.  Born July 20, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of Joseph H. and Marie F. (Nawrocki) Russell.  He retired from Country Financial in July 2011.  He married the former Dorothy E. Ludwig on September 2, 1967 in Superior, Wisconsin, thus founding the BIL’s.  She survives.  

Also surviving are four sons, David J. Russell of Tomahawk, WI, Dr. Charles J. Russell and his wife Mimi L. of Memphis, TN, Michael J. Russell of Godfrey, and John W. Russell and his wife Cindy L. of Troy; five grandchildren, Katherine, William, Lily, Arthur, and Jacob; and numerous extended family members, Lolita Russell of Florida, James and Patty Russell of Florida, Joseph and Katherine Dotson of Florida, David and Debra Scot of Wisconsin, Robert and June Ludwig of North Carolina, Ken (BIL #4) and Catherine (deceased) Vetter of Colorado,  Steve (BIL #2) and Ann Titus of Florida, Bob (BIL #3) and Agnes Goligoski of Georgia, Bill (BIL #6) and Louise Thauer of Wisconsin, Steve (BIL #8) and Bern Doherty of North Carolina, Joe (BIL #11) and Barb Montoya of Wisconsin, Brad (BIL #7) and Rose Baumberger of Alaska, Alan (BIL #10) and Elizabeth Weld of Wisconsin, Thomas and Patricia Ludwig of Wisconsin, and Mark (BIL #9) and Joan Winkel of Wisconsin; thirteen nephews; fourteen nieces; and Molly, Macy, Gimbel, and Coco. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister, and a nephew. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.  Father Steve Pohlman will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Ambrose Education Endowment or the Marquette Development Fund.  Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. 

Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home