James "Jim" Lester Russell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Lester Russell, 85, of Peoria, IL. Jim passed away at the Richard L Owens Hospice Home on January 17th after waging a valiant fight against esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones. Jim was born on August 6, 1939, to Florence (Walker) Russell and Harry Russell in Champaign, IL. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Agriculture and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. U of I is where Jim met his wife of 62 years. Upon graduating, Jim married Mary Lou Houser, then entered the army as a 2nd lieutenant and was stationed at 2nd army headquarters in Laurel, Maryland. He completed six more years with the reserves. Following his discharge, he was employed by First National Bank of Chicago as a farm manager. After eight years in Chicago, Jim entered the family telecommunications business in Peoria. He served on the board of The American Cancer Society, the board of The Children's Home of Illinois, served as President of Kiwanis, helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity, and was a faithful member of his church. His happy place was on the golf course and fishing with his church buddies in Canada. Jim loved his family deeply. Two days prior to his passing, he said marrying Mary Lou was the best decision he'd ever made and he had the best family. He was a great friend to many and committed to his community. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Lou and three children, Alyssa Lou Russell, of Peoria, IL; James Blake Russell (Emily Lah) of Albuquerque, NM; Clayton Andrew Russell (Wendy Prebil) of Coppel, TX; Grandchildren, Kyala Russell-Owens, Dylan Owens, and Brody Russell. Jim is also survived by his sister, Nancy (Russell) Hatch (William Hatch) and his sisters-in-law Vicki Dunn, Janice Moody, and brother-in-law Marion Dunn along with many nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, February 15th from 9:30a - 11a at First Baptist Church, 411 W Lake Ave, Peoria, IL 61614, followed by a Celebration of Life to begin at 11a and presided over by Pastor Rob Collins. A livestream link can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/ONf6_dT1Mp4?si=hf4OPk4FcA48f3Xe Donations may be made to Jim's church, First Baptist Church, 411 W Lake Ave, Peoria, IL 61614 or the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, 1310 N. Missouri, Ave, Peoria, IL.

James "Jim" Lester Russell

August 6, 1939 - January 17, 2025