Dr. James "Jim" Russell

Dr. James E. “Jim” Russell, Professor Emeritus of Texas A&M University, passed away Sunday, July 3, 2011. He was born in Rapid City, S. Dakota on May 20, 1940 to Lester and Veronica Russell. Dr. Russell received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 1963 and his Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1964. Dr. Russell earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Northwestern University in 1966.

Jim graduated from Cathedral High School in Rapid City, and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 1963 followed by his Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1964 at the same institution. Dr. Russell earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Northwestern University in 1966.

On June 1, 1963 Jim married the love of his life, Judith Ann Halverson, and they remained married forty-eight years until his passing. Dr. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Russell and Veronica Russell Heller, step-father Henry Heller and brother Jack Russell. Survivors include his wife, Judy, of College Station, sons Michael of Winterset, Iowa, and Mark Russell and wife Tobi of College Station, three grandchildren. Afton and Madelyn Russell and Justin McClung and one great granddaughter, Kambree Nicole, as well as his brother Richard Russell of Lafayette California.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 7 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a vigil service at 6 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 8, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station, followed by interment at Memorial Cemetery of College Station.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Alzheimer's Association, The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Foundation, the Texas A&M Foundation, or to the charity of one's choice.