Joseph (“JB”) Russell, 91, of Kansas City, KS passed away on July 13, 2025 at Villa Saint Francis Catholic Care Center in Olathe, KS. JB was born on February 14, 1934, to Bertha (Harris) and John Russell in Nettleton, Arkansas. He took special pride in being a Valentine’s baby.
JB retired from Perk Foods in 1985 but was most proud of being a self-taught musician who could play any instrument with strings. Above all, he wished to be remembered as a “rootin’, tootin’, high falutin’ guitar picker”. Throughout his life, JB spent countless weekends playing with bands in the Armourdale area of Kansas City, KS, and having jam sessions with his musician friends. JB loved all animals (especially dogs), playing dominos and watching sports. He was an avid fan of his Kansas Jayhawks, KC Royals and nobody knows why, the Cleveland Browns.
JB was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 44 years, Connie Russell, his parents and older siblings: Imogene, Hubert, Oscar and Sam, who he had a long and loving relationship with. He is survived by his children, Allison Smith; Dana (Bill) Moran; Cara (Kevin) Carver; Brian (Rose) Russell; Mike (Shannan) Russell; Ronda (Donny) Prince and Theresa (Donald) Woolley and by his grandson, Mike Russell, Jr., who was raised in his care. JB is survived by 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, MO 64152, with Rev. Joseph Cisetti as celebrant. Visitation 9:30 -10:15 a.m., Rosary @ 10:15, prior to Mass. Entombment will follow at Resurrection North Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that JB faithfully supported for many years. Contributions may be sent to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or made online at www.stjude.org.
