James(Jim) F. Russell Jr.

October 26, 1935 - July 23, 2018

James (Jim) Franklin Russell, Jr passed away Monday July 23, 2018 at a Bluefield hospital after a long battle with a respiratory illness. He was the only child of Frank and Ruth Maxey Russell who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of over 65 years, Tonia Harrison Russell of Bluefield, WV, his Daughter, Lynn Russell Williams of Bluefield WV and her children, Jeremy Williams and wife Brandy, and their son Shad of Clearwater, FL, and Laura Williams Clark and her husband Stephen of Killeen, TX. His son; Jeffrey Carl Russell and his wife Jo, of Blue Ridge, VA, their daughter, Ashley and husband Adam Hollingsworth, and their children Jason, Jacob, Braydon and Brooke of Roanoke, VA, son; John and Syndi Diller and their children Jake and Ethan of Algonquin, IL. Born in Bluefield WV October 26, 1935, he graduated from Beaver High School class of ’53. He earned a B. S. Degree from Concord University in 1957. Began his business career at the Bank of Pocahontas as Assistant Cashier. In 1959, he joined Virginia Foods of Bluefield as advertising Manager. After 35 years service he retired as Vice President and General Manager. During his business career, he was an active member of WV Wholesalers Assn, VA Food Dealers Assn, VA Wholesalers Assn, and National American Wholesale Grocers Assn where he served as a Vice President/Convention Planning Team/Task Force, and as Division Managers Exposition Host. He served as Vice President of the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, President of the Bluefield Sales Executive Club. He was active in many charitable/civic organizations; Chairman, Salvation Army Advisory Board; Chairman, United Way Commercial Division; Eighteen years on City of Bluefield Planning/Zoning Commission; Board of Directors, Bluefield Union Mission. His volunteer activities included, Bluefield Regional Medical Center; Chairman, West Virginia Homecoming ’96, City of Bluefield; Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Club; Bluefield Coal Show; Better Living Show and Mountain Festival. He served as a Hokie Representative of the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund since its inception. He was a veteran of the U S Army and a member of American Legion Riley-Vest Post 9, Bluefield Masonic Lodge 85, Bluefield Chapter Rose Croix, Scottish Rites Bodies 32 Degree Mason, Bluefield Commandery No 19, Knights Templar, Beni Kedem Shrine Temple, Bluefield Shrine Patrol, Royal Order of Jesters Court 111, Mountaineer Ridge Runners, Princeton Elks Lodge 1459, University Club, Past President Clover Club, Bluefield Country Club, Fincastle Country Club, Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Concord He-Mans Assn, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was an active member of First Christian Church, Bluefield WV, where he served as Deacon. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service celebrating the life of Jim will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday July 26, 2018 at First Christian Church, Bluefield WV with Pastor Doug McDaniel officiating. Friends may call at the Church from 10:00AM until the service hour. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bluefield Union Mission, 2203 Bluefield Ave., Bluefield WV, 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com. Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Jim Russell.