RUSSELL, SR., James E.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, July 13, 2003 James E. Russell, Sr. On July 10th, 2003, the world lost a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. James E. Russell, Sr., was born in Johnstown, New York on November 27th, 1915. In 1950, James moved his family to the dry Arizona climate and went to work as a maintenance technician with Allison Steel. In 1951, James became a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office and retired 30 years later, in 1981. While still an active carrier, he served as dues collector for the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), a steward, and a branch representative lobbying Congress on NALC issues during four separate trips to Washington, D.C. Retirement for Jim did not mean inactivity. He continued to serve his brothers and sisters as a Director of Retirees for Branch 576, as both President and Vice President of the Postal Workers Social Club, and for over 20 years as a bingo worker. In addition to faithfully serving the NALC, James was an active member of Phoenix Pyramid number one of the Sciots. He joined the Masonic Fraternity on May 25th, 1948 in Warwick, New York, and to Montezuma Lodge after moving to Arizona. He served as Scribe of that pyramid for ten years and was elected to the highest position of Pharaoh in 1980. Left behind in loving memory are sons: James, Jr. and wife Sylvia A. Russell of Phoenix, Arizona and William F. and wife Kathy Russell of Tulsa, Oklahoma, grandchildren: Danielle and husband Harold Manning of Scottsdale, Arizona, James Eric Russell of Phoenix, Arizona, Bynum Patrick Russell of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and sister Betty Thompson of Wells, New York. There will be a viewing on Sunday July 13, 2003 from 7-9 pm at Green Acres Mortuary in Scottsdale, AZ. The funeral will be held the following day, Monday, July 14, 2003 Green Acres Chapel, at 10 am.