"Jim" James Henderson Russell

After a brief battle with cancer, Jim passed away December 3 in his 87th year at Juravinski hospital with daughter Barbara at his side. Predeceased by wife Jo (Norma), and son Steven. Beloved grandpa of Emily and Peter, father-in-law of Paul Morse, and brother of Arlie Hobson (George) of Manotick, Allen (Marion) of Toronto, and Bob (Margaret) of St. Mary’s, he will be missed by all in his extensive family. As a prominent educator, Scouts Canada leader, member of the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton board of directors, church trustee and president of Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation District 8, Jim was one of those special people who touched the lives of many in the Hamilton region. It was impossible to go out with him in public without someone rushing up to say, “Well, hi, Mr. Russell, I bet you don’t remember me … ” Born in Dundalk, Ont., Jim served as Artificer in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War aboard the destroyer HMCS Algonquin. He graduated from McMaster University post war and began his teaching career in math and physics at St. Catharines Collegiate, and Central Secondary and Westdale Secondary in Hamilton. In 1961-’62, he served as elected president of OSSTF Hamilton. Known as one of his era’s ‘Great Principals,’ Jim led Barton Secondary (1966-’72), where he championed and pioneered semestering in Hamilton as well as the house system, followed by terms as principal at Hamilton Collegiate Institute and Westmount Secondary. Jim was a lifelong Scout dedicated to helping youth in their physical, mental and spiritual development towards becoming constructive members of society. A Medal of Merit recipient, Jim served as president of Scouts Hamilton-Wentworth Council, Troop Scouter of 6th Ancaster, and Scout Councillor of the 44th and 27th Hamilton. He loved the outdoors, in particular canoeing and fishing. A favourite haunt was the trout-filled Rocky Saugeen River. Jim served as Trustee of Marshall Memorial United Church and in recent years spearheaded its outreach program and food drives for Living Rock, a ministry for street-involved youth in Hamilton. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, December 18 at Marshall Memorial United Church, 20 Gilbert Avenue, Ancaster. Donations to Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) or Marshall Memorial in lieu of flowers are appreciated.