Dr. James Eric Russell
August 12, 1932 to December 15, 2018
Obituary
Passed peacefully away, in his 87th year at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Residence on Saturday, December 15, Dr. James Eric Russell. Predeceased by father Charles E. Russell of Bay Roberts, mother Otilia Alexandra Leitland, brother Edgar, and sister Lydia Milton.
Leaving to mourn their sad loss, the love of his life, wife Elsie (Kennedy) and his beloved son, John (Lotus); his brother Ed’s children, Gerald, Marie, Calvin and Paul; his sister Lydia’s children, Larry and James Milton and their families; other nieces and nephews, Gerry (Cynthia) Russell, Howard (Jeanette) Russell, Elizabeth Davis, Bob (Patricia) Russell, Wilson Russell, and Donna (Leigh) DesRoches; the Kennedy family, Cathy, Wally, Joanne, Jennifer, Agnes; cousin Lillian Mercer and children David and Ann; and many other relatives and friends.
Jim was Director of Dental Services for the Province for many years. He was an outstanding athlete and a member of the NL Tennis Hall of Fame. For several years, he held the Singles Championship title at Riverdale Tennis Club and was a coach and player with the Guards Baseball Association. He played hockey, squash, and was an avid golfer. Jim and Elsie were exceptional bridge players who won many championships in NL and the US.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Percy Crocker and the Second Floor staff at Kenny’s Pond for their kind and loving care.
Jim was a lovely man whose kind heart touched many lives.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, Freshwater Road, on Thursday, December 20, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held from St. Pius X Church, Smithville Crescent, on Friday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Red Cross.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on December 20, 2018
7-9 p.m. on December 20, 2018
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
9:30am, Friday December 21st
St. Pius X Church
He will never hurt another person again l… Donna soper wells
Dear Elsie and family: We share with you the loss our good friend, classmate, and Dental colleague. Like you, we shall miss him.
Dear Elsie and John. So sorry and saddened to learn of Jim passing. Jim and I first cross path on the Guards baseball team in the early 50’s and of course as dental colleagues. It was a privilege to have known him. We share in your loss and offer our deepest sympathy to you. May God Bless you and give you strength at this difficult time.
Toots and Bob MacLeod
Dear Aunt Elsie & cousin John,
It’s with heavy heart that we can’t be there for uncle Jim’s final farewell. He will be missed but will always be in our fond memories.
I personally feel fortunate to have had a nice, albeit brief, visit with him last October as I was heading back to Toronto after being in the Arctic for 6 weeks, and he was so appreciative for the chat, and so was I. Sadly, being in Ontario most of our lives we missed out knowing our extended family in NL, as well as we would’ve wanted.
I have a few fond recollections of uncle Jim …. especially when I was growing up, and was ‘dentally challenged’, and uncle Jim suggested using a popsicle stick to help correct my bite. Of course being a kid, I didn’t listen, and orthodontics were ultimately needed down the road, ha!
More recently, in the summer of 2008, when me and my family were visiting, Kevin who was just 10 at the time, remembers playing golf with his great uncle Jim in their backyard… with plastic balls …. I think ???? ????
I know the years of going south to Florida meant we got to see them more, and I always looked forward to their visits…and secretly wished I could go south with them. I always admired their active lifestyle and realize now just how much I, or we, were unaware of uncle Jim’s athletic history … not surprising to hear though.
He was always a youthful and gracious host along side his beautiful bride, aunt Elsie. Our hearts go out to you both at this time and in the days and weeks to come.
Blessings and much love
Joanne, Lindsay & Kevin
xoxoxo
When I started playing duplicate bridge Jim was always kind to my partner and I . He gave us much welcome advice and always had a puzzle to test your mind when you started at his table. He and Elsie were wonderful bridge partners and players and were missed when they could no longer come to the club. I feel privileged to have known him. Please accept my condolences.
Judith McIntyre
I was pleased to know Jim for many year and admired his gentle and always pleasant manor. These same trades are displayed by Bob, Wilson, Donna, Howard and Betty, the extended family that I knew well.
To all my deepest sympathy.
Sorry I am away and unable to be with you at this time.
Nelson and Margaret Bradbury
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Russell and family. I knew Jim well in his role as Director of Dental Services for the Province. Our tenure in the Department of Health overlapped over a number of years where we collaborated often. He was a true gentleman, often displaying a quick wit and a dry sense of humour. He was an early and important player in the Children’s Dental Health Programme and made a significant and lasting contribution to his profession and to the dental health of countless children.
You will be missed by many.A very kind and loving man.you touched my heart with kindness and laughter,many a stories and jokes throughout my working day.It was a privilege to have known you.Rest in peace,fly with the angels
Elsie
We are so sorry for your loss of Jim, your loving partner for life….We enjoyed playing bridge with you both for many years. You both were good role models for new bridge players.
Our sincerest sympathies
Randy and Marilyn Bennett
My Deepest condolences to Mrs Russell and her son and extended Family,it was my Pleasure to have known him,I enjoyed many conversations with him.
Mary Sutton- Housekeeper at Kenny’s Pond
Elsie and John
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing We remember good times and great card games with you and Jim and the gang .Thinking of you both at this time. Sincerely Gordon and Gloria
Elsie and John…..
Burf and I have so many wonderful memories mostly connected to Riverdale Tennis Club. He and Burf won so many doubles championships…the most “All Newfoundland” titles as a team.
Also Burf corralled him to be his best man at our wedding 59 years ago this coming January.
It won’t be possible for us to attend the funeral but we will be thinking about you both.
Dear Aunt Elsie and John,
We’re so sad to learn of Uncle Jim’s passing. We have so many fond memories of his wonderful sense of humor and fun times playing shuffle board at Gull Lake. He was a wonderful Uncle and Godfather and will be missed.
Ann, David & Lillian Mercer
Dear Elsie and John,
My mother Winnie and I would like to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences on Jim’s passing. I have many fond memories of childhood visits and I know both your parents were dear lifelong friends of my parents. Unfortunately mom is out of town and will not be able to attend the service but we will both be thinking of you and praying for yourselves and Jim .
Elsie and family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a gentleman. It was always a pleasure to play bridge with “The Russell’s” table.
Barbara Slattery
Elsie and John. I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing, I offer you all my sympathies and condolences. I remember all the happy times playing bridge and tennis and side trips that included golf and lots of arguments. The times we spent together were always fun, interesting and often extended well into the night. Never a dull moment. I am currently in Florida and will be unable to attend Jim’s service, but will be thinking about both of you.
Elsie’
Sorry to hear of your husbands passing. He was a nice man .
Elsie,
So sorry to hear the news of Jim’s passing.
My condolences to you and your family.
Loved to play at Jim and Elsie’s table at bridge.
A wonderful man and a great bridge player.
Rest in peace my friend.