In Memory Of
James Ray Russell
1926
2015
James Ray Russell
July 24, 1926 — November 20, 2015
James Ray Russell, 89, of Cheyenne passed away November 20, 2015, at the VA hospital. He was born on July 24, 1926, in Ponca, NE.
Jim graduated from Ponca High School in 1943. His first job was working as a pipefitter for the Navy. He joined the Army in September of 1944 attending basic training at Ft Leavenworth, KS and communications training at Ft. Bliss, TX. He was an Antiaircraft Artillery Man in Hawaii. He separated from the Army in 1946 after receiving the following medals: Sharp Shooter, Pacific Campaign, Good Conduct, and World War II Victory Medal.
He returned to Ponca and 21 days later married the love of his life, Pauline Marie May. The Army paid for his flight training in Sioux City, IA leading to his job as an instructor pilot. Later he became a Nebraska farmer. He then went to work for Greyhound Lines for 30 years eventually becoming owner/operator of the garage, restaurant, and ticket office. Jim and Pat started JR & W Travel Agency, traveling throughout the US and Canada with AARP friends.
Jim was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Board member of Needs, Goodwill, ARC, AARP (30 year member), and Foster Parents for seven children.
Jim was always worried their family history would be lost so he spent numerous hours sharing stories with his children and grandchildren.
Jim’s hobbies were going on fishing and camping vacations with his family and traveling with close friends.
Jim is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Connie (Gary) Telander, and two sons Dennis (Debra) and Bob (LeAnn) Russell. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the organizations in which Jim served as a board member.
Jim graduated from Ponca High School in 1943. His first job was working as a pipefitter for the Navy. He joined the Army in September of 1944 attending basic training at Ft Leavenworth, KS and communications training at Ft. Bliss, TX. He was an Antiaircraft Artillery Man in Hawaii. He separated from the Army in 1946 after receiving the following medals: Sharp Shooter, Pacific Campaign, Good Conduct, and World War II Victory Medal.
He returned to Ponca and 21 days later married the love of his life, Pauline Marie May. The Army paid for his flight training in Sioux City, IA leading to his job as an instructor pilot. Later he became a Nebraska farmer. He then went to work for Greyhound Lines for 30 years eventually becoming owner/operator of the garage, restaurant, and ticket office. Jim and Pat started JR & W Travel Agency, traveling throughout the US and Canada with AARP friends.
Jim was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Board member of Needs, Goodwill, ARC, AARP (30 year member), and Foster Parents for seven children.
Jim was always worried their family history would be lost so he spent numerous hours sharing stories with his children and grandchildren.
Jim’s hobbies were going on fishing and camping vacations with his family and traveling with close friends.
Jim is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Connie (Gary) Telander, and two sons Dennis (Debra) and Bob (LeAnn) Russell. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the organizations in which Jim served as a board member.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Ray Russell, please visit our flower store.
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