James "Jim" L. Russell

James “Jim” Lowell Russell passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas at the age of 82. He was born on July 28, 1934 in Natoma, Kansas to the late James L. and Ruth E. (Selbe) Russell. He grew up attending grade school in Natoma and graduating from Plainville High School with the Class of 1953. Following high school, he joined the United States Army, serving in Korea. After being honorably discharged, he went on to attend Fort Hays Kansas State College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In May 1960, Jim was united in marriage to A. Jill Hachmeister. They were blessed with three children, Bryan, Dawn, and Joel. That same year, after completing college, he began teaching school. His teaching career began in Bogue, Kansas, then to Codell, and finally Plainville. He primarily taught 6th grade through middle school, science and math. While in Codell he also served as Principal and coach. After Jill’s passing in 2001, he was married to Elise (Cussen) Thornton on March 8, 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jim was a teacher, a farmer, enjoyed working on projects in his shop, and served in numerous community activities. He valued education and intellectual endeavors, while also having a warm and unique sense of humor which he found hilariously funny, even if no one else understood. Famous for being a long story teller, and for often times being “politically incorrect,” he was never at a loss for words, laughter, and good times with family, friends and neighbors, no matter where he met them. He loved and cared for all people, but of course his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Jim is survived by his wife Elise Russell of the home in Plainville; children Bryan J. Russell and wife Kristin of Brighton, MI, Dawn J. Phlieger and husband Scott of Natoma, and Joel C. Russell and wife Amanda of Codell; step-sons John P. Thornton and wife Debbie of Pittsburgh, TX, and Kevin R. Thornton and Nancy Wilson of Benbrook, TX; brothers Leo “Jay” Russell and wife Vesta of Natoma, Jerry Lee Russell and wife Linda of Fort Scott, Jesse Russell and wife Mary of Newton, Dennis Russell and wife Judy of Lake Havasu City, NV, Robert Russell and wife Linda of Leavenworth, Wayne Russell and wife Jeannie of Fort Scott, Don Russell and wife Linda of Fort Scott, Charles Russell and wife Delene of Fort Scott, and Kevin Russell and wife Teresa of Fort Scott; and grandchildren Laura Thornton, Matthew Thornton, Christine Thornton, Sean Thornton, Hayden Phlieger, Kirsten Phlieger, August Phlieger, Alicia Phlieger, Danielle Bickmore, Rachael Bickmore, Joshua Russell, Isaiah Russell; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ruth Russell, first wife Jill Russell, sister Marita Russell, and brothers Les Russell and Joseph Russell. Celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2016 at Codell Community Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville with burial to follow in the Shiloh Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association or FHSU Biology Department and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, Kansas 67663. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.