James Wesley Russell Jr.

James W. Russell Jr., a beloved father and grandfather, made his final journey home. He passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 after losing his battle with Brain Cancer. He is preceded in death by his parents Georgia C. Russell and James W. Russell Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife, Selinda Russell; siblings Sharron D. Russell and Dennis Russell; children James W. Russell III, Michelle G.A. Kessler, and Christopher M. Russell, and their spouses Kayla Russell, Todd A. Kessler, and Amy Collins-Russell; 9 grand and great-grandchildren.

He was born January 10, 1948 in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and his family eventually settled in El Paso, Texas. He graduated from Eastwood High School in 1967, and immediately enlisted into the U.S. Navy upon graduation. He served as a petty officer, first class, in the torpedo room of the Battleship Tender USS Samuel Gompers during the Vietnam War in the Sea of Japan.

After his service, he enrolled at UTEP. His mother introduced him to Selinda Gemoets, who he fell in love with and later married on May 29, 1971. He then finished earning his degree in kinesiology from UTEP and graduated in the summer of 1972, just in time for the birth of his first son, James III. He worked as a teacher in Zuni, NM. In 1973, the family returned to El Paso and welcomed their second child, Michelle, in 1975, and their youngest son, Christopher, in 1985. In 1976, he joined the EPPD and served with distinction for 34 years.

He was a fantastic Field Training Officer, Traffic and Beat cop. He was declared a Master Police Officer by the state of Texas. James had many commendations during his time on the force, including Rotary Club of El Paso Officer of the year in 1997. In 2010, he retired after being injured in the line of duty on Transmountain Drive.

He spent his final years with his loving family.

The family would like to thank Hospice of El Paso for their excellent care throughout his fight against cancer.

He always spoke the truth. He never exaggerated, never glossed over, and never lied.

He was the rock of this family.