James E. Russell, 87, passed away Monday, March 17, 2014 at Rochelle Gardens Care Center in Rochelle, IL. He was born April 4, 1926 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, the son of Eddie R. And Gillie Mae (Elliot) Russell. James married Jewel Elizabeth Cagle on December 2, 1945 in Parkin, Arkansas. They moved to Rochelle with their four children in 1953, where Jim worked for Del Monte Plant 115 for 22 years, retiring in 1986.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel, on March 22, 2013, his eldest son, Mickey, three brothers: Holder, Ruey and P.D. and 4 sisters: Odell Smith, Blanch Caldwell, Laura Cox, and Agnes Ballard.

He is survived by two sons: William Edward (Karen) Russell of Ashton, IL and Danny (Lisa) Russell of Rochelle; daughter, Bonnie (Jinks) Hord of Sparta, Missouri; sister: Eddie Mae (Roy) Cardott of Rochelle; sister-in-law, Daisey Russell of Rochelle; 18 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 13 great great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be 10 AM, Thursday Mar. 20, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6 ^th St., Rochelle with Chaplain Judy Williams officiating. The visitation will be Wednesday Mar. 19, from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.