James Otis Russell, Jr. died Monday, November 2, 2020 at Vicksburg Convalescent Home.  He was 86.  A native of Darlove, MS, he had been a resident of Vicksburg for most of his adult life.  He a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War and receiving a Bronze Star.  He was a member of Iron Worker's Local 469 and traveled throughout the country for work.  He was a jokester and  never met a stranger.  He was of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, James Otis Russell, Sr. and Addie Frank Russell; a brother, Wiley Roby Russell; a sister, Wanda Joy Russell Pitcher; and two nieces, Stephanie Russell Mothershed and Kimberly Michele Leese.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ellen Genelle Russell; three daughters, Caffie Russell Ellis (Mitch), Nancy Russell Johnson (Brad), and Karen Russell Brown (Randy);  seven grandchildren:  James Ellis, Mandie Fraser, Sidney Johnson, Jessica Wren, Hannah Hubert Brown, Hannah E. Brown, and Amanda Yates; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 PM to 7 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg, MS.  Services will we at 11 AM Thursday at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at 1:30 PM at Fletcher's Chapel Cemetery in Yazoo City, MS.  Pallbearers will be Sidney Johnson, Tristan Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Jamie Ellis, Martin Pace, and Richard Brown.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mitch Ellis, Brad Johnson, Randy Brown, Asa Wren, and Comapssionate Touch Homecare.  The family would like to thank his caretakers with Kindred Hospice, Amedysis, St. Joseph Hospice, and Vicksburg Convalescent Home.  Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project support.woundewarriorproject.org