James H. Russell

James H. Russell, age 83, of Northland, MI, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2019 at UP Health System - Marquette. He was born on January 20, 1936 in Escanaba, the son of Alexander and Amanda (Carlson) Russell. James grew up in Northland and attended school in Gwinn, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 29, 1957 and served his country until he was honorably discharged on June 2, 1961. While serving in the military, he worked as a boiler operator on the USS Rich on the Mediterranean Sea. He later moved to Fairbanks, Alaska and joined the Operating Engineers Local 302 and was employed as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement in 1992. James moved back to his hometown of Northland after his retirement. He always had a love for the outdoors – especially fishing and hunting. While living in Alaska, he always looked forward to fishing for halibut and salmon. In Northland, he built a sugar shack in the hardwoods at his house where he enjoyed making maple syrup each year.

James H. Russell is survived by his brothers, Carl (Carol) Russell of Northland, and Charles “Dave” Russell of Northland; his sister, Joyce Caloerone of Crystal Lake, IL; sister-in-law, Paula Russell of Northland; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his daughter, Dorothea; 3 brothers, Dale, Richard, and Donald; and 2 sisters, Lois, and Marcella.

Graveside memorial services are being planned for the spring of 2020 in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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