On June 21, 1947, James Albert “Jim” Russell was welcomed into the world by his father, Andrew James Russell, and his mother, Lillian Vaughan Russell. Although Jim was born in a town called Ronceverte, WV, the Russell family home was in nearby Alderson. Once he was home, he was greeted by his older brother, Andrew. The Russell family was like the surrounding mountains: strong, brave, full of humor and grit.
Jim’s dad, Andrew, owned a general store in Alderson. Unfortunately, in 1950, Lillian was diagnosed with a brain tumor. At that time there was nothing the doctors could do for her. Although Lillian remained quite sharp mentally, she became physically disabled. Andrew took on the demands of running a retail business as well as running a household. He cared for both of his sons as well as his wife and eventually something had to give. He gave up his business and took a job as bookkeeper at Bluegrass Markets in the nearby town of Lewisburg, WV. The Russell family remained strong in both their faith and their love for each other.
During Jim’s high school years, he excelled in academics, becoming class valedictorian. In addition, he lettered in both football and basketball and was elected class president. He worked hard mowing lawns and pitching in at home.
His mother, Lillian, searched for a way to offer opportunity for Jim. She knew the financial pressures of college, so she researched admission to West Point. Due to her diligent efforts, she arranged an interview for Jim with their congressman, James Kee. The interview with Congressman Kee went very well. Jim’s appointment to West Point from the 5th Congressional District of West Virginia was a go. So, in the early morning hours of June 1965, Jim boarded a train bound for West Point from White Sulphur Springs, WV.
Somehow, like most new cadets, he lived through Beast Barracks. Jim was assigned to C-4. This group was very diverse, and even today these friends remain quite close. Jim always displayed a very funny sense of humor. He was known to play practical jokes on others. In fact, this was what we, his companymates, all looked forward to with delight. He was very easy going and a friend to all. He worked hard on academics but had the occasional confinement and punishment tour walking the Area. Jim earned the nickname of “Roo,” and he was liked by everyone. Nearing the time of graduation Jim selected Field Artillery as his branch.
After attending Airborne School in the summer of 1969 and his branch training at Fort Sill, OK, Jim joined the 82nd Airborne Division. While with the 82nd, Jim earned an Army Commendation Medal. Shortly thereafter, Jim was sent to Vietnam. He was a MACV advisor while in country. Jim earned a Bronze Star. He always felt the people of Vietnam just wanted peace. Once stateside, Jim was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division Artillery at Fort Campbell, KY. While at Fort Campbell, he earned a second Army Commendation Medal. Jim resigned his commission in 1974.
Upon completion of his military service, Jim was accepted into West Virginia University College of Law. During his time in Morgantown, WV, he worked hard on his studies and attended or watched as many Mountaineer games as possible. He loved the law and law school so much that Jim was asked to be part of the Law Review. In addition, Jim was also asked to become a member of the Order of COIF. Upon his graduation from law school in 1977, Jim was hired by Steptoe and Johnson. Steptoe and Johnson were one of West Virginia’s most prestigious law firms. Early on, he was asked to become a partner. During his decades there, the firm planted offices across the United States. Jim’s area of expertise was energy law. Ultimately, he became chair of the Business Department. He retired in December 2015.
After retiring, Jim and his wife, Melinda, moved back to his hometown of Alderson. He and Melinda built a beautiful home and settled into the community. Jim was active in his church, Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church of Alderson. In fact, he would often fill in for his pastor. Jim also was a Sunday School teacher. Jim loved to play golf and would drive his friends to nearby courses. This town was very special to Jim, and, in true Mountaineer fashion, the town loved him back.
Jim had an optimistic, generous, and caring spirit. He rejected a “me first” view of life. He believed that his family, church, Army, law firm, and indeed the nation are stronger when individuals work together. He was always available to friends, family and community for help or guidance. He was certainly an important member of the West Point community and returned for reunions every five years. Sometimes these reunions were interrupted by the need to catch up with Mountaineer games. He was a fan.
Jim is survived by his wife, Melinda; his son James A. Russell Jr. and his fiancée, Megan Garland; his son Benjamin and his wife, Aubre, and their children: Myers, Cameron, Aidan, Finn and Nash; and his brother Andrew and his wife, Vikki. Jim will be missed by everyone he’s ever met but especially by his family, friends and the community of Alderson. Somewhere in those mountains of Appalachia, Jim is rounding up a foursome. They will play 18 holes and, at the 19th hole, they will go to Jim’s beloved Dairy Queen.