James L. Russell

James L. Russell, 77, of Hillsboro, IL passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 12:15 p.m. at his residence. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Abbey on Broad, 202 S Broad in Hillsboro, IL.

Mr. Russell was born on April 30, 1944 in Hillsboro, IL to the late Wayne and Elsie (Bramel) Russell. He was a 1962 graduate from Hillsboro High School. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Constellation during Vietnam. He worked as a CMS Data Center Manager for the State of Illinois and lived in the Hillsboro area his entire life. He married Charlene Zerrusen on September 28, 1968 in Hillsboro, IL; she survives in Hillsboro, IL. He was a member of D.U. Shoal Creek and Muskies Inc. and a past member of V.F.W. Post 1306 and Hillsboro Moose Lodge.

Mr. Russell is survived by his wife, Charlene; his children, James Todd Russel (special friend Dianna Cardwell) of Decatur, IL and Jamie (husband Jeremy) Schmidt of Frisco, TX; two grandchildren, Cooper James Schmidt and Chase Robert Schmidt; and his brother, John (wife Charlene) Russell of Bourbonnais, IL.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Russell is preceded in death by his brothers, Melvin Russell, Harold “Rusty” Russell, and George Russell.

Memorials may be given to Hillsboro School District # 3 Sports, Shoal Creek Ducks Unlimited, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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