John ‘Jack’ Richard Russell

On May 13, 2026, John ‘Jack’ Richard Russell, 92, went peacefully to his rest to join his beloved wife, parents, brother and sister. The second of four children, Jack was born in Ecorse, Michigan on November 9, 1933 to Edward and Clara Russell. After graduation from River Rouge High School and a stint in the steel mill, he served in the U.S. Army from 1954 – 56, attaining the rank of specialist Third Class with the 867th Field Artillery Battalion. After his Honorable Discharge, Jack joined his high school sweetheart, Margie Walters, in Arizona and soon married. He began his construction career as a ‘hod carrier’ and over the years rose to the position of Superintendent of the largest masonry company in Arizona. At work, Jack was a strong leader and fierce advocate for his men, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Jack was a devoted husband to his wife Margie and father to their daughter Kim. After his retirement, he became a full-time caregiver for Margie, with singular dedication and devotion until her passing in 2010 after 54 years of marriage.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Jack instilled that love of the outdoors to many friends and family members on numerous hunting and fishing trips. When in his boat, if he turned his baseball cap backwards, you’d better hang on, you were in for a ride!
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Bob, nephew Mark, and sisters and brothers in law, and closely followed by his sister Judy. Jack leaves behind his loving daughter Kim, brother George, nephews Eddie, Bobby, Dave, Jack (Diana), Georgie (Pauline) and Tommy (Kris), nieces MaryLou, Janie, Connie, Kate, Laura (Tracy), Lisa (Glenn), Lora (Bob), Polly and Shannan (Patrick), ‘adopted’ nephews/sons Jim, Mike, Benny and Scott, many great-nieces and nephews, and friends too numerous to mention.
A service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. on November 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the American Legion Post 29 Service Officer would be appreciated.