Obituaries & Guestbook

James E. Russell, age 82, of Sheboygan, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He was born on July 8, 1941, in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of the late Robert and Kathleen McCormack Russell.
James graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1960. He was united in marriage to Judi Bartzen in January of 1966. James served six years in the United States Marine Core Reserves. In 1969 they moved to Sheboygan to be closer to her family. After several years of factory work, he became a correctional officer at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution. He retired in 2007.
James was a member of the YMCA, spending many years working out, playing racquet ball, and basketball into his 50’s. When he was in his 70’s he took up bike riding. James also enjoyed going to Anna Maria Island in Florida.
Survivors include his wife, Judith Russell; daughters, Lisa (Dennis) Newman, and Sara (Rick Henderson) Russell; granddaughters, Marrinna Italiano, Cianna Jenss; great-grandchildren, Na’Jae and Na’mya, whom he loved dearly. James is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Jeri Bartzen, and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and David Wagner. He further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. James was preceded in death by his mother and father.
In accordance with the family’s wishes a private service will take place and a celebration of life will be held a later date.