Russell Mullins

James Russell Mullins, well known as Russ, was a passionate and focused son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Russ passed away in March 2025 at the age of 52. He was born on December 9, 1972, in Carthage, Texas, to Chris Jones and Billy Mullins.

Russ grew up in Longview where he developed a deep love for his family, and the world around him. From a young age, Russell embraced challenges with a sense of determination and focus. He first showed interest in music & sports which later in life bled through to other musical and physical hobbies. Russ took to caring for others and for animals, bringing home the first family cat. Jinx was found in the parking lot outside of the mall where Russ was working part time, before going to college.

His educational journey extended beyond being a Pine Tree Pirate to attending Panola College from 1991 - 1993, followed by Texas State University from 1993 to 1995. He later earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Computer Network Systems from ITT Tech between 2009 and 2011. Russ’s natural curiosity and drive led him to achieve Cisco certifications, including the CCNA in 2011, 2015, and 2020 as well as expertise in ASA and ASA-X Firewalls, Load Balancers, VPNs, VLANs, and more.

Over the course of his professional career, Russ worked with several prominent companies, including AT&T, CompuCom, Rackspace & Texas Capital Bank. He was respected for his expertise, commitment to his craft, and ability to navigate complex technical challenges with ease. His work in the world of technology, along with his various certifications, helped shape him into a highly skilled and valued professional in his field.

Outside of his career, Russ was passionate about pursuing various hobbies that enriched his life and the lives of those around him. When he was interested in a hobby he was all in. Russ was open to the world which led him to evolve into new interests.

As a certified yoga instructor, he found peace and fulfillment in guiding others toward wellness. He was also an accomplished powerlifting competitor, pushing himself to achieve “Elite” status. His love for music was another central aspect of his life, and he pursued DJ’ing at local events as well as making his own tracks. Through all that he did, he was very generous with others and had a big heart which allowed everyone around him to feel accepted.

Russ is survived by his mother, Chris Jones; his father and stepmother, Billy and Lisa Mullins; his sister and brother-in-law, Courtney and Paul Maletic; his stepsister, China Jackson; his beloved nephews, Troy and Owen Jackson; and other close family members were Tom and Dee Tompkins, Cliff and Sarah Tompkins, Kelly and Amber Tompkins, Susan and Allan Cain, Molly Cain-Freeman and Emily Goodman, Julie Jones, Will and Sarah Rosebrock, Cameron & Katharine Ruschhaupt, Craig and Laura Firestone, Alex Firestone, Chrissy Firestone, and Roger & Stella Ogden. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Doug Jones, his grandparents, Vivian and Floyd Tompkins, Leveta and Moon Mullins; his stepfather’s parents, Jerry and JoAnn Jones, his stepmother’s mother, Billie Ogden, and his Cousin, Craig Tompkins.

A memorial service to honor Russ’s life will be held on March 29th at 11am at Custer Road United Methodist Church. Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of his many achievements, and to remember the impact he had on those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newgate Mission in Longview.

James Russell Mullins’ memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who was touched by his kind spirit, vivaciousness and intelligence. Russ left a mark on those around him with the grace in which he saw them.