James Dwayne Russell

Dr. James D. Russell entered into his Lord and Savior's kingdom on August 28 after a short illness. Jim's first focus was his relationship with the Lord; whether it was through his undergrad degree from Baylor University, PhD in Theology from Southwest Baptist Seminary, or through leadership in churches in New Mexico and Colorado, the first and last words he said to you were about the Lord Jesus Christ. The second son of railroader A.V. Russell and Geneva Russell of Clovis, New Mexico, Jim had one brother, Ronnie, and married Judy Johnson of Clovis, New Mexico after meeting while both were working in Clovis Memorial Hospital. The couple married in 1967, shortly after Jim was drafted into the Army. Jim attended basic training in San Antonio where Jim and Judy were both commissioned: Jim to Germany to Judy to Vietnam. After the couple's pregnancy, their orders were changed to serve together in Frankfurt, Germany where Jim served as a Captain in the Army and Judy worked in the military hospital. Jim's two sons, Chris and Paul, were born on the base in Germany. After returning to the United States, Jim served as senior pastor of Longs Peak Southern Baptist Church until he decided to get his advanced degree and move the family to Clovis, NM where Jim and Judy both had family. Jim pastored First Baptist Clovis and raised the family in Clovis where Jim loved to watch the boys play sports. Jim, Judy and the kids moved to Colorado and Jim returned to pastor Longs Peak Church before retiring to Mesa, Arizona. Jim was always ready to have a conversation over breakfast-his favorite meal. Jim will be remembered for his love of Presidential biographies and his love of the Lord. Jim is survived by his wife Judy, sons Chris (Amber) and Paul (Shelly), and nine grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to 5920 S. Vegas, Mesa, AZ 85212.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.