Name: Michael Aasen
Email: mike@chippewavalleymedia.com
Location: Chippewa Falls
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Name: John O'Connor
Email: johns@oconnors.net
Location: Altoona Wisconsin
It was my pleasure and good fortune to work with Jim @ Memorial form 94-96. I saw Jim several times after that around EC and was always greeted warmly. Jim life is a testimony to walking in the Light. May he rest in peace!
Name: Cathy (Dohms) Tegen
Email: ctegen@gmail.com
Location: Holmen, WI
My deepest sympathies to the family of Jim Russell. I am a former choir student of Mr. Russell's while he taught at Memorial. I enjoyed learning about music and singing with him over the years. He was an absolutely amazing music teacher and I feel privileged to have been taught by him. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this most difficult time. The angels in heaven have surely gained a wonderful new voice in their choir.
Name: Judy Peterson Hunter
Email: judith.hunter9000@sbcglobal.net
Location: Columbus, OH 43235
To All of You, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the entire family at this most difficult time. I didn't know Jim very well, but remember a skinny young boy whom I greeted at UWEC as he went from class to class---he looked then much like he did in the wedding picture. As he matured, I am amazed at how much he and his brother looked alike! I am a friend of Clare's and have tried to be supportive during Jim's entire illness and I know what a terrible void he will feel in this life without his brother to share good times, including eating their way through the Minnesota State Fair. I've viewed the remarkable video prepared in memory of Jim and there are two observations I have: what talent and devotion this man displayed and what a deep and everlasting dedication to his family he had. It is obvious from these pictures what a zest for life he had and what wonderful memories he leaves behind. May the peace of God be with all of you at this time. Judy Peterson Hunter
Name: Craig Bergstrom
Email: craig@truenorthremodeling.com
Location:
I am praying for you all in your time of grief. I know the pain that I felt when my dad died. It is great to know that he is in ultimate peace and joy with Christ in Heaven and where we will be re-united with Jim some day!!
Name: Bertha and Mary LeGore
Email: marylegore@clearwire.net
Location:
May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow. You're in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy.
Name: Laura 'Figge' Ross
Email: ross.laurashea@yahoo.com
Location: Eagan, MN
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Russell was my choir teacher at Memorial High School. His calm and carrying demeanor is something I will always cherish. His memory and legacy will be carried on through the voices of thousands of students he has touched.
Name: Eli and " Pepper" Lucas
Email: Elilucas@charter.net
Location:
Name: Eli and " Pepper" Lucas
Email: Elilucas@charter.net
Location:
Jim had a genuine interest in his students, work, and people. Jeff, Jodi, and Julie reflected their dad's values and were a joy to have in my classroom. We are sorry for the family's loss.
Name: Gretchen Hanson
Email: gretchenmhanson@yahoo.com
Location:
I graduated from Memorial in 1997 and had the pleasure of having Mr. Russell as one of my choir directors. I was just thinking of him yesterday. A friend at work told me today that he had passed away. I have many fond memories of him. I remember his quiet personality, his sense of humor, and his passion for bringing music into the lives of others. I am sorry for your loss, and glad that I had the opportunity to know him.
Name: Charles Barland
Email: cbarland@dbq.edu
Location: Dubuque, IA
Dear Joyce, Jeff, Jodi, and Julie and spouses, I send my sincere sympathy and condolences to all of you at this difficult time. I was informed of Jim's passing this afternoon by email from a Memorial HS friend. Ironically I had just completed a rehearsal with the University of Dubuque Concert Choir, a choir I've conducted now for more than six years. When I think back to those teachers who had the most impact on my life, Jim Russell has to be included. I owe much of my love of music and now career to his teaching. He introduced me to choral music in 7th grade at Central, worked with me in ensemble and solo opportunities, went with me and my class to Memorial HS, exposed me to a wide variety of repertoire, had patience with me as a struggling pianist learning the art of accompanying, and gave me opportunities and experience that carried me through my years of music study after high school. I never stayed in touch after high school, but want all of you to know what a profound impact your husband and father had on me as a musician and as a person. I will always be forever grateful that I had Jim Russell as my teacher for six years; six years that changed my life. With deep sympathy and profound thanks, Chuck Barland '86 University of Dubuque Music Faculty and Dept. Chair
Name: Julie Brown (Olson)
Email: juliekbrown@new.rr.com
Location: Appleton, WI
Mr. Russell was one of the two choir teachers I had at Memorial High School in Eau Claire. I always remember him being so nice and supportive. He was a very gentle soul that the world will miss very much.
Name: Scott Burnell
Email: scott.burnelL@gmail.com
Location: Plano, Texas
I am saddened to see his passing. He was one of my favorite Choir teachers at Central Jr. High. I was in Choir and Folk Group and could not have made the Concert Choir or Madrigals at Memorial High School without his mentorship. Heaven has just gotten one great Choir Director!
Name: Erin (Nixdorf) & Andy Wait
Email: the_waits@msn.com
Location: St Paul, MN
Our deepest condolenses on your loss - we spent many many hours in choir with Mr. Russell and just loved him. We will always think of him with a smile - he always had such a kind and calm presence.
Name: Amy Carlisle
Email: amynmiami@bellsouth.net
Location: Miami, Florida
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Russell's passing. What a wonderful teacher he was. It was always such a joy to walk into choir class and see Mr. Russell there. So up-beat and happy. He was one of those teachers you could never forget. - Amy Carlisle- MHS Grad 1995
Name: David Whitehorn
Email: Maestrorn@hotmail.com
Location: Texas
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Jim's great sense of humor during many choir practices and church functions. He will be truly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the whole Russell family during this difficult time.
Name: Gary Mizer and Family
Email: netflicks@charter.net
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
So sory for your loss. He was a very kind and decent man. A great father and husband. The one thing that comes to my mind when I think of Jim, is patients for other people. God bless you all.
Name: Russell A Brower
Email: mandyb3715@sbcglobal.net
Location: Roselle, Il
I was a high school classmate of Jim. He was a great asset to the school. I remember him from various classes and football. He played a lot. I sat on the bench. We wish the best to all of his family. Russ, Paula and Jim Brower
Name: Scott Morris
Email: packerman04@yahoo.com
Location: Valparaiso, IN
To Mr. Russells family - I had Mr. Russell as a choir teacher along with Gary Rambo at Central Junior High School from 1974-1977. Some of my fondest memories of school were from choir and his class. He was one of the most pleasant and patient teachers I had and also officiated some of my football occasion. I think I saw him last in 1983 at K-mart in EC, before I graduated and moved away. He remembered me immediately and asked what I was up to. I was glad to hear he had moved on to Memorial. Thank you for the memories - he will be missed. Scott Morris