James Charles Russell

James Charles Russell, age 98 was born on June 23, 1921 to the late John and Arbella Russell in Welcome, Georgia. He was initially named "J.C. Russell" by his parents, but later legally changed his name to James Charles Russell as an adult.  James was a graduate of Brown High School in Moreland, Georgia where he met the love of his life Lucinda Cameron.  Shortly after graduating high school, James moved to Toms Rivers, New Jersey to work on the railroad and to do construction work to make a living. He said that he also wanted to go back to Georgia to marry the "big legged" Lucinda Cameron.  Before marrying Lucinda, James was drafted into the United States military and served in World War II. One of his memories of the war was when he traveled in a submarine from the United States across the Atlantic Ocean to England which was somewhat challenging for a young man age 21.  After the war, James went back to Georgia and married Lucinda Cameron. He also decided to enlist in the Army Air Corps which until 1941 was one of the seven American uniformed services and was the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force of today.

James needed to find a career to earn more money, so he and Lucinda heard about job opportunities in Dayton, Ohio and they moved to Dayton from Georgia. Once arriving in Dayton, James was hired as a construction worker for BG Danis Construction Company. After a few years he left Danis and was hired by Wright Patterson AFB and worked as an Exhibit Specialist for the Air Force Museum. He created numerous exhibits for the Air Force which were viewed by numerous United States citizens and Foreign visitors until he retired after over 35 years of service. James also served in the United States Air Force Reserves and worked as a Load Master. He was tasked with the safe loading, transport and unloading of aerial cargoes. Because James was on a flying status, he had the opportunity to travel to various countries such as Greece, France, England and Panama. James retired from the United States Air Force Reserves as a Master Sargent. after serving more than 30 years. 

James accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at an early age. He and Lucinda attended Shiloh Baptist Church where he sang in the Male Chorus when the church was located on Sprague Street. Prior to his illness, James loved to attend Sunday School for many years. 

James was also a member of the Masonic Ancient Square Lodge #40 in Dayton, Ohio for many years and previously served a term as the Worshipful Master.

On Tuesday, December 17th, 2019, James transitioned from this life peacefully at his daughter Brenda's home to be in the presence of the Lord. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Sharie Russell, daughter Sharon Kay Russell, wife Lucinda Cameron Russell, grandsons, Mark Anthony Russell and Gregory (B.J.) Russell. He leaves to cherish precious memories and celebrate his legacy daughters Brenda (Harold) Smith-caregivers, Linda Russell, Antionette Nelloms, Jasmine (Mark) Edwards; son Mark Coleman: (2) special granddaughters who served as caregivers Alanna and Charise Russell; 10 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren, 1 sister-in-law Mrs. Elvia Spear of Senioa  Georgia, cousin Lillie Mae Mitchell of Atlanta Georgia, many nieces, nephews and his church family.

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