James Kent “Jim” Russell

Image
Small Image
James Kent “Jim” Russell
Body

James Kent “Jim” Russell, 81, of Lamkin passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. 

Jim and his wife LeAnn formerly owned FarAway Ranch between Iredell and Cranfills Gap where they raised donkeys and mules.


Jim was born on July 10, 1939 in Fruitland, Missouri to Wilson Shaner “Pete” Russell and Maxine Ware Russell, their only child. He grew up in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and spent much of his time at his Russell grandparents’ farm in Fruitland doing farm work, working with the livestock and practicing baseball - especially perfecting his pitch by hitting a circle drawn on the side of the barn. All the practice was worth it, as he was awarded a baseball scholarship by the University of Missouri and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Accounting. He played semi-pro ball as a pitcher for several years until he had a career ending injury. 

Jim then joined Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co. as an auditor. He served as an accountant for several firms in different states and finally made it to Texas. Jim made the switch over to accounting software sales and training, which he loved as it also allowed him to travel all over the US and Canada.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, LeAnn Murphy Russell, son Michael James “Mike” Russell of Houston, grandchildren Danielle Russell and Matthew Russell, adopted son Andrew Charles “Andy” Russell and first wife Janet Estes Jenkins.

It was Jim’s decision to be cremated and his cremains will be buried with his beloved parents in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Missouri in January.