James Robert Russell

Born to the late Raymond and Carol Russell, Jim was their youngest child and the apple of his mother's eye. Jim grew up in Scituate, Massachusetts, surrounded by the love of his siblings: his sister Suzanne Russell, his brother John Russell, and his sister Lisa Russell. Jim was the first of the four Russell children to pass away, a loss deeply felt by his siblings, who all loved him dearly.

Jim is also survived and lovingly remembered by his beloved partner, Nina Kamukunda, and her two daughters. He leaves behind an extended family; Alex Russell, Jennifer Novick, and her two children, his brother John's entire family, Michael Otoole, as well as many close cousins, Laura, Glenn, Susan, Ellen, and all the New Jersey Russells, his dear friend Mark Purcell, and many other friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Those who knew Jim will remember him for his love of family, his quick wit, and his kind, gentle spirit. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He lives on in the cherished memories of those who loved him.

Jim was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 21, 1964. He grew up in Scituate and always loved his hometown. He graduated from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts Professional Chefs Program in June of 1986, and received two degrees from Johnson & Wales in Providence RI, an Associate in Science in Hotel-Restaurant Management in May 1990 and a Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management in December of 1991.

Jim lived in Homestead, Florida, from 2009 to 2018. While living there he was a proud member of the Florida Coast Guard Auxiliary and earned a U.S.C.G. Certificate of Training in CPR and AED 1st Aid in July of 2010. He embraced the U.S.C.G. motto "Semper Paratus" - always ready. It was an epigram he often repeated. But he had always lived his life by that motto. He was always ready to help his loved ones.

But Jim was much more than his degrees, vocations, and avocations. He was a boater by birth and loved spending time on the open sea. He was an automobile enthusiast and loved a fast car. He was a guitar player and loved a good riff. He was a good man and loved his family and friends. Above all, he was our beloved goofball and can never be replaced.

A Memorial service to honor Jim's life will be held at The Scituate Maritime Center, 119 Edward Foster Road, at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 19th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.