James M. Russell of Richland peacefully went to be with our Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 2, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.

Jim was born on February 7, 1935 in Brady, MT to Salma Schlepp and Floyd Russell. Shortly thereafter, they moved to the Blue Mountain area, living on the Tucannon. Jim began school at White Bird. The family then moved to South Touchet where he attended Star School. Jim’s father passed away not long afterward and his family finally settled in Dayton, WA where he graduated from high school. He was appropriately nicknamed “Moose” as he played football, basketball and boxed. Shortly thereafter he married Alma Elaine Fletcher and they moved to Walla Walla where they had three children: Suanne, Deborah and Sandy. While in Walla Walla Jim was a member of the Eastgate Lions and the Elks. Jim worked as a diesel mechanic for Caterpillar dealers for 44 years and had the reputation of being the best mechanic in the area. Working initially for Stone Machinery in Walla Walla he stayed through the company change to Inland Machinery. In 1978 Jim found himself single and transferred to the Tri-Cities where he continued to work for Inland Machinery, which later became Western States. Jim married Violet Rosie Wood in 1983. At that time he became father to Jeff, Twila, and Teresa Wood.

Jim was a Caterpillar man to the end. Even after retiring from Western States in 1999, he couldn’t let more than a few weeks pass without stopping by at the shop and visiting with his many friends there.

Jim enjoyed many activities. Camping, hunting, and fishing were at the top of the list. His bonfires were the best. He loved playing with his grandchildren and golfing. Jim was a “fix it” man. There wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve. He enjoyed tinkering in his shop and taking trips in his motor home. Jim never tired of reading a new Louis L’Amour. All those who know him will miss Jim; he was a friend to all.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Rosie and their children Suanne Baker, Tyler Roc, Casey, Kristin, Debi Lewis and Pat Dorney Heidi Sue, Monica, Jeff and Mya Wood Nathan, Quentin, Twila Wood, Teresa and Nick Nastri Gable, Leah, James. He also leaves behind his brother Milton Colleen Russell, and sisters Marcella Wayne Welch, Lois Ernie Davis, and Delores Gene Robanske, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his father Floyd Russell, mother Salma Julian, daughter Sandra Russell, grandson Ethan Wood, brothers Marion, Gene, and Dallas Russell, and sister LaVonne Nelson.

Viewing will be Tuesday, April 4th from 5 to 8 PM at Einan’s Funeral Home. On Wednesday, April 5th graveside service for family and close friends will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 9:30 AM. All are invited to a celebration of his life at 11:00 AM at the Cathedral of Joy with a reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center at 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336 or the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House at 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.