John Bernard Russ

John B. “Jack” Russ passed away peacefully, Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, WA. Aged 93 years, he was born October 7, 1932, in St. Charles, MI to Stephen and Venola (McGovern) Rusz. Jack married Fumiko Takemori in Tokyo on October 31, 1955. As a graduate of the United States Army Language School, he was fluent in Japanese.

During his 23 ½ years with the U.S. Army, Jack’s roles included: Combat Medic (Korean War), Intelligence Analyst (Tokyo), Medical Technologist with the 71st Evacuation Hospital (Pleiku, South Vietnam, 1966-1967), Viral Research for the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (Bangkok, Thailand), and NCOIC for the Madigan Army Hospital Lab. After retiring as a Sergeant First Class, he became the Lab Manager at Harrison Hospital and then a Safety Inspector for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport.

Jack attended the University of Washington and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New York in 1986. Jack’s lifelong passion was playing and teaching Hawaiian Steel Guitar. In 1949, he completed the Steel Guitar Course at the Honolulu Conservatory of Music in Tacoma. Jack was a life member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his children and spouses: John E. Russ, Mary Ann (Seán) Ledwith, Daniel (Monique) Russ; grandchildren: Ashley (Grant) Caldwell, Amy Fumiko, Brianna (Lane) Thornton, Ceara Ledwith, Hannah Takemori, Shannon Kane Russ, Dylan Russ; great-grandchildren: Koa, Joseph, Marilyn, Seamus, Hudson; sisters: Maxine (Jack) Erickson, Janet Watson; brothers: Patrick (June) Rusz and Michael (Maryann) Rusz.

He was predeceased by his wife, Fumiko, sister Betty Meskimen and brother and sister-in-laws: Stephen and Lois Rusz, Jr., Joseph and Kathleen Rusz, David and Penny Rusz, and sister-in-law Marilyn Rusz.

Services will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Holy Trinity Church in Bremerton, WA, with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony at 10:45 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass (https://www.youtube.com/@holytrinity3043/streams) Holy Trinity Live Streams to find Live Stream and replay. On Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. burial with Military Honors will be held at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Disabled American Veterans can be made in memory of John B. “Jack” Russ by clicking “I would like to dedicate my gift”. (https://www.dav.org)

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who helped with Jack’s care including the Washington Veterans Home Port Orchard and the Naval Hospital Bremerton.