John Paul Russell Jr.

John Paul Russell Jr, 70, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away on June 8, 2024 in Longmont, Colorado. He was born on December 12, 1953, in Columbia, Missouri. John was a devoted family man and is survived by his loving wife Kathy Russell (Heinze), his son Tyler Russell (married to Ken Dayley III), and their daughter Penelope. His stepson Mike Lund, his wife Annie, and their kids Jordan and Grant. His stepdaughter Julie Lusk, her husband Brian, and their kids Carter and Gavin. He is also survived by his sister Victoria (Vicki) Icenogle (Russell) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father John Paul Russell Sr., his mother Patricia Helen Russell (Tabor), and brother Rick Russell.

John grew up in Leawood, Kansas and graduated from Shawnee Mission South High School. He furthered his education at Southern Oregon State College (Southern Oregon University) graduating with a degree in Political Science.

After completing his education, John and his former spouse relocated to Kansas City to join his family's business, the I.D. Russell Company, a poultry pharmaceutical manufacturer. The company later moved to Longmont, Colorado in 1989. John served as the President of the company before selling it in 2002. When then retired and established his primary residence in Florida where he enjoyed the warm weather and year-round fishing and golf while maintaining a place in Colorado to be close to family and friends during the summer.

John, raised in Missouri, harbored a lifelong passion for the outdoors. From fishing and camping to hunting, nature was his playground. During his time in Oregon and later in Colorado, this love for adventure blossomed. He embraced skiing, snowmobiling, and even conquered climbing Longs Peak. But John's interests weren't confined to the mountains. He was known for his love of the sea and a good round of golf.

Beyond his adventurous spirit, John was a devoted family man and a true patriot. Proud of his country, he reveled in history, evident in his love for the History Channel. However, Weather Nation might have been his secret favorite. When not outdoors, golfing, or enjoying time on the water, you'd find him cheering on his beloved Chiefs or Royals.

John cherished spending time with his friends, but his true focus was always on family. Kathy, his wife, and Tyler, his son, were undeniably the center of his world. Johns final wish was to meet his beautiful granddaughter Penelope Grace which he did, and she instantly stole his heart. He loved his family dearly, and they were without a doubt the most important people in his life. John's presence, humor and compassion will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.