James August Russell

James August Russell, 94, of Bolivar passed away Sunday, May 24, 2015 at his residence with his family at his side. He was one of 9 children born in Meta, Missouri to William Arnold and Effie May Russell. James was a WWII veteran serving in the European theater seeing action in the Balkans, Italy, Rome-Arno, southern and northern France, the Rhineland and was awarded 7 bronze stars for his service. After his discharge he moved to Springfield where he met and married Wilma. The young couple moved to Bolivar in the early 1950's where they have lived and raised their family. He was a member of the American Legion Post 138 in Bolivar. James had many talents and in his long life was able to practice using many of them. He served as Pastor for several congregations in the area. He worked as a welder, worked some at the walnut factory, worked for Bolivar Insulation, and was also a dairy farmer. After retiring he began painting which he enjoyed, especially painting landscapes. He was a woodworker and created many things for his family. Family dinners were a favorite activity and he loved to tell about how he had caught the biggest catfish of anyone in the family! He attended lots of garage sales and kept most of the things he discovered at those sales. He was a very good guitar player as well. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma on December 2, 1998; his parents; son Johnny Lee Russell on August 27, 1999; brothers William Earnest, Elbert Otto, and Robert Russell; sisters Martha Hoeft, Dolly Stroud, Millie Hovis and Goldie Russell. James is survived by daughters Mary Long and her husband Randy of Bolivar, Patsy Gilden and her husband Jim of Bolivar, Debbie Russell of Fair Play; sons Dan Russell and his wife Jeannie of Bolivar, Bill Wolf and his wife Brenda of Bolivar, Mike Russell and his wife Sharon of Bolivar; brother George Lee Russell and his wife Ruth of Union, Missouri; sister-in-law Velda Russell also of Union; 12 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for James Russell will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Murray Funeral Home in Bolivar with Pastor Norman Culbertson officiating and burial immediately following at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials to a favorite charity in James' memory are suggested. Online condolences may be submitted at www.murrayfuneralhomes.com. PDF Printable Version

James August Russell

August 14, 1920 - May 24, 2015