James Russell

June 16, 1917 – August 14, 2016

Capt. James Moran Russell passed away peacefully on 14 August 2016, surrounded by family and friends. Born to Joseph and Mary Loretta Russell in 1917, he was raised at 39 G Street in South Boston by his beloved mother and aunts, Catherine and Anna Moran. He was the brother of the late Joseph W. Russell. Jim was a life member of the South Boston Yacht Club where he sailed with his brother and their many friends. It was there that he developed his love for the sea.

James married Rita Hannon on August 15, 1942 at St. James Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY. Father William Farrell presided. He and Rita were married for 50 years until Rita’s death on August 15, 1992.

James was the father of James D. Russell of Vancouver, WA, Joseph C. Russell of CA, and the late MaryAnn Russell Mingham and John J. Russell. He is survived by his grandchildren: Brian Mingham of Thousand Oaks, CA, Alex Mingham of Oceanside, CA, Alicia Martin of Encinitas, CA, Kelly Russell of Vancouver, WA, Kevin Russell of Vancouver, WA, John Russell of Las Vegas, NV, and Patrick Russell of Reno, Nevada. Many great grandchildren and his nieces, Margaret Russell Ciardi, Susan Bulis, and Katherine Keenan also survive him.

Retired Navy Capt. James Russell had a distinguished career. He joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 18 and was the youngest captain to bring his ship across the Atlantic during World War II, which he did, as he told it, without radar, by following the stars. Soon after, he joined the US Navy. His career spanned several decades and presidents. He was the youngest Navy Captain of a Navy Destroyer in WWII. He loved to tell the story of how he had taken President Franklin D. Roosevelt on a fishing trip in Key West and his adventures at sea in many Asian countries.

James was also commissioned on the USNS Chauvenet and was tasked to chart the entire bottom of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which he accomplished with this Military Sealift Command Ship. He also held the elite certificate for Master Seaman, All Oceans, All Seas, All Tonage.

He was an avid flyer and owned multiple planes that he enjoyed with his family and friends in both California and Massachusetts. He was a Captain for Pacific Far East Airlines as well.

Visitation to be held at Richardson Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Rd., Scituate on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 6-8 PM. Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate on Monday, August 23 at 12 Noon. Burial immediately following at Cudworth Cemetery.