James Albert Russell, 75, died unexpectedly on Nov. 24, 2022, at his home in Alderson, Greenbrier County, with his wife by his side. He had been in excellent health, enjoying his many friendships and golf right up until recent hip replacement surgery. Healing well, he was talking about plans for the months and years ahead.
James Albert Russell was born on June 21,1947, in Ronceverte, to Lillian Vaughan Russell and Andrew James Russell. He was the valedictorian of Alderson High School, class of 1965, and he was a 1969 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Jim served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam.
Jim married Alma Jean Knapp on June 14, 1969. Their beloved son, James Albert Russell Jr. was born on Feb. 1, 1973. Upon completion of his military service, Jim enrolled at West Virginia University College of Law, where he graduated in 1977 and was a member of the Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. He married Melinda Dines Russell on Aug. 6, 1977. Their beloved son, Benjamin Andrew Russell, was born on June 27, 1981.
There were four institutions that were particularly dear to Jim’s heart: Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, Alderson High School, West Point, and Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. Jim began working as an associate at Steptoe & Johnson in June 1977 and became a partner five years later and a member when the law firm reorganized and expanded. He practiced in the Clarksburg, office and later in the Morgantown office, retiring on Dec. 31, 2015.
Jim had an optimistic, generous and caring spirit. He rejected a me-first view of life and believed that families, church families, armies, law firms and nations are stronger when individuals work together. He reconnected with treasured high school classmates after building his retirement home in Alderson. He kept up with West Point classmates, returning for reunions nearly every five years. He stayed in touch with law firm colleagues after his retirement and cheered on the law firm as it expanded its national footprint.
Jim Russell adored his wife and loved and adored his sons. He rooted for them, believed in them and was immensely proud of the fine men they have become. He treasured his grandchildren and took an active part in their lives.
Jim is survived by his wife, Melinda; James Albert Russell Jr. and his fiancé, Megan Garland; Benjamin Andrew Russell and his wife, Aubre Everly Russell; granddaughter, Myers Anne Russell; grandsons, Cameron, Aidan, Finn and Nash Jackson; and brother, Andrew Simpson Russell and his wife, Vikki Russell.
A memorial service will be held at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 with the Rev. Sam Groves and the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kanode officiating. Gifts in memory of Jim may be made to Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 477, 104 N. Monroe St., Alderson, WV 24910.
Lobban Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
