James Russell

James A. “Jim” Russell, 78, of the Tappan Lake area, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2010 at the Cleveland Clinic. Born October 27, 1932, he was a son of the late Stephen L. Russell and Wanda S. (Edie) Russell Dundr.

A life resident of our area, Jim was a 1950 Midvale HS graduate. Following high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic. Jim began working as an underground coal miner and then advanced to become a union organizer for the United Mine Workers of America. Jim was a passionate union organizer, always fighting for the rights of the blue-collar worker. Jim was elected as a union representative and held this position uncontested for more than 20 years until concluding his career with the U.M.W.A. as a board member for the International Executive Board. Jim had been a life member of the Midvale V.F.W., a member of the AMVETS and the Hey Jack Sportsman’s Club. Jim had also been president of the Tappan Lake Association and vowed to continue his fight against the MWCD (Conservancy) into the afterlife.

Jim will be sadly missed by his family, which include his seven children, Linda and husband Alan Notz of Dover, Tammy and husband Michael Vogel of Port Washington, Ryder and wife Shayne Russell of Kalamazoo, MI, Tally Taralla of New Philadelphia, Tracy Russell and companion LuRae Elmore of Sherrodsville, Heather Russell and companion Bill Taylor of Uhrichsville, and Nicole Fisher of Freeport; 21 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; brother, Daniel D. Russell of South Carolina; sister, Carol Jean Endlich and companion Kevin McQueen of New Philadelphia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Robert, Ronnie, and Meryel Russell and a sister, Patricia Cross.

In keeping with his wishes, Jim will be cremated without any services or visitation. Friends and relatives are invited to visit at his Tappan Lake home throughout the week of December 26, 2010.

R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740)922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com