James Russell, Jr.

James Russell, Jr., 82, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 11:32 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2022 at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth, IL.

He was born on October 15, 1939 in Quitman, MS, the son of Luke J. and Flaura (Sumrall) Russell.  James was raised and educated in East St. Louis, IL.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in East St. Louis in 1957.

James married Theresa L. Patterson on July 25, 1965 in Monmouth; she preceded him in death on December 8, 2016.

James started working at Butler Manufacturing in Galesburg in 1961 as a welder.  He worked there for over 41 years until the plant closed.  He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan and he also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs playing.  James loved to drive his truck down to Mississippi and visit with his brothers about all the fun they had growing up in Mississippi.

Surviving James are his children, Kimberleigh (Michael Grant, Sr.) Patterson-Nair of Monmouth, IL; son, Derek Patterson of Monmouth, IL; grandchildren, Rendon Patterson, Jordan Salyers, and Kealiah Randolph; 12 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Pinkie Russell-Morgan of Wisconsin, John D. (Helen) Russell of Georgia, Larry (Beverly) Russell of Texas, Demascus (Deanna) Russell of Las Vegas, NV, Dave (Beverly) Russell of Texas.  Also surviving is his sisters-in-law, Connie Patterson of Galesburg, IL, Sharon Patterson of Monmouth, IL and Carole) Randolph of Monmouth, IL; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Theresa L. Russell; sister, Dela Russell; brother, Willie Ellis; brother-in-law, Gabe Randolph.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 21, 2022 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Cremation rites will be accorded after the service.  Interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery, Monmouth, IL.  Memorials can be made to the James Russell, Jr. Memorial Fund.  McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, is in charge of the arrangements.