James “Jimmy” Harvey Russell went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at the VA Medical Center in Asheville after a long period of declining health.
Jimmy was born in Clarksville, Ark., on Nov. 14, 1951, the son of Carlos and Miriam Russell, who moved the family to Hiawassee, Ga., when he was still quite young.
Jimmy worked for DuPont, both in Atlanta and Brevard, for years and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict having served in the Air Force.
He attended Tri-County Community College.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman, musician and storyteller. When he was unable to walk or drive, he had many friends who would pick him up and take him on hunting and fishing excursions.
Jimmy loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and the mountains, and lived life to the fullest every single day. His last week was spent telling all those he loved goodbye and having a Jesus centered party. He had visitors from multiple states arriving to pray and sing with him and surround him with love.
A special thanks to Chris Rumfelt and the First Free Will Baptist Church family for the love and compassion both Jimmy and his family were honored with during his last illness. You were truly special to him and to us.
Surviving Jimmy are three children, son Aaron Russell (Emily) of Hoschton, Ga.; daughter Gentry Hunt (Stovall) of Braselton, Ga.; and stepdaughter, Nikki Anderson of Andrews; sister, Diann Nichols (Dennis) of Hiawassee, Ga.; nephew, Wade Nichols (Debbie) of Young Harris, Ga.; niece, Katie Bowman of Hiawassee, Ga.; great-nieces, Valerie Nichols and Juliana Bowman; and great-nephew, Arthur Bowman; and five grandsons who truly adored their “Pa,” Culum Henry, Coleman Evans, Ren Henry, Kennen Hunt and Bayne Russell. Also surviving are special friends, Ronnie and Dena Westbrooks of Hayesville, who cherish the memories we made over the years as a united family.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at First Free Will Baptist Church in Hayesville, with the Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masters of Men program at First Free Will Baptist Church, 259 Tusquittee St., Hayesville, NC 28904.
Banister Funeral Home in Hiawassee, Ga. is assisting in our time of bereavement, www.banisterfuneral.com.