James Alexander Russom was born in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Louise S. and W.Y. "Tony" Russom. He was an excellent electrician and retired after serving 40 years at Atlas Processing Company, where he made many lifelong friends. He was involved in preserving the history of Louisiana as a dedicated member of the North Louisiana Historical Association and the Louisiana Archaeological Society.
Jim and Alpha lived their Catholic faith raising their children to love Jesus and always praying together as a family. You better believe they were always at the earliest Mass, on the front row of church, every Sunday. They attended prayer meetings and pilgrimages with many dear church friends.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed traveling and camping with his family. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren about gardening, raising animals, hunting, fishing, metal detecting, birdwatching, and more. Bluegrass music brought him great joy, and attending concerts was one of his favorite pastimes. He spent several years square dancing with Cindy and earning numerous awards participating in the Senior Olympics. Above all, he was a kind, generous, and loving man who cherished his family and friends, praying for them daily. James had a wonderful sense of humor and always sought to bring laughter to others. His unique, joyful spirit will be deeply missed.
James went to be with the Lord peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Alpha S. Russom; parents, Tony and Louise; brother, Larry W. Russom; grandchildren, Maria Hope Pizzolato and William G. Eakins; and a great grandchild, Paul E. Black, III.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Teresa Pizzolato (Danny), Rhonda Black (Paul Sr.), Joseph Russom, Sr. (Becky) and Rebecca Eakins (Greg); grandchildren, Matthew Pizzolato, Angela Scott, Emily McMurray, Paul Black, Jr., Karen Becker, Mary Catherine Ivie, Brittany Black, Joseph Russom, Jr., James Burnitt, Elizabeth Hebert and Sarah Garrett; 19 great grandchildren; sister, Ann R. Gandy; special friend, Cindy Cason and her family; along with his dear cousins, Minette Godwin, Alice Nolan and Betty Davidson.
A visitation for James will be held Monday, February 10, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108. A rosary will occur Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans, 939 Jordan St, Shreveport, LA 71101. A graveside committal will occur Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Rd, Shreveport, LA 71108, where he will be laid to rest. Father Raney Johnson will officiate the services. Honoring him as pallbearers are Matthew Pizzolato, Paul Black, Jr., James Burnitt, Joseph Russom, Jr., Mark Scott and Marcus Becker.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Msgr. J Carson LaCaze Tuition Assistance Fund at https://sjbcathedralschool.org/giving.
