Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.
Born on March 16, 1947, to D.L. and Virginia Ann (Shaffner) Russell, John lived a life marked by dedication, service, and integrity. Over the years, he made his home in Temple, Texas; College Station, Texas; and Chandler, Arizona, leaving a lasting impact in each community he touched.
A proud graduate of Temple High School, Class of 1965, John continued his education at Temple Junior College, graduating in 1967. He then pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Construction in 1970 and a Masters in Architecture in Construction Management in 1971. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a long and accomplished career in construction and leadership.
On January 24, 1970, John married the love of his life, Jackye Kay (Caesar) Russell, at First Baptist Church in Temple. Their union was one of deep devotion, built on faith and mutual respect, and together they shared a beautiful life for over five decades.
Following his academic pursuits, John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant from 1971 to 1973, stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. His dedication to service continued in civilian life, where he became an influential figure in the construction industry and a respected leader in his community.
He was a founding partner and President of CRW Construction from 1978 to 1990, and later the Owner and Founder of Construction Services from 1990 to 2003. John’s leadership helped shape the growth of the Central Texas region, and his work earned him the honor of Builder of the Year in 1980. His commitment to excellence extended beyond his business. He served on many municipal boards, including the Temple Electrical Board (’85,’96), the Temple Public Works Advisory Board (’94), and the Temple Building Board of Appeals (’86,’90). He also held the role of President of the Temple Area Home Builders Association in 1981 and 1991.
Faith was the cornerstone of John’s life. A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Temple, he served on the Board of Deacons for over 40 years. He was also an active supporter of youth ministry, contributing his time and heart to the Young Life Committee for eight years.
John possessed a natural gift for teaching, which he embraced fully in his later years. From 2011 to 2020, he mentored and educated future professionals at multiple local institutions, imparting his wisdom, experience, and passion for construction to the next generation.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Jack Caesar, and his mother-in-law, Esterbell Caesar.
John is survived by his loving wife, Jackye Kay Russell; daughters, Jennifer Hoelscher and her husband Lloyd, and Kimberly Davis and her husband Bryan; son, Todd Russell, and his wife Erin; brother, Bob Russell, and his wife Dee. He was a cherished grandfather to ten grandchildren: Andersen Davis, Logan Hoelscher, Jack Davis, Hutton Hoelscher, Haden Hoelscher, Ben Russell, Becks Davis, Eva Russell, Leah Russell, and Anna Russell. His legacy lives on in each of them.
John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant heart, and his lifelong commitment to building—both in the physical world and in the lives of others.
