Obituary of John E. Russell

John E. Russell, 75, of 593 Kiantone Road Jamestown, passed away peacefully Sunday July 30, 2017 at UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital, surrounded by his family following a brief illness. Born February 27, 1942 in Jamestown the son of William and Arloine Niles Russell-Hodges. John was a 1959 graduate of Jamestown High School. He began working in the wood industry at several factories, including Crawford Furniture and Taylor Jamestown. He then went to work for Lyons Transportation Lines and did auto mechanics and auto body work. In 1981 he opened his own auto body shop in Kiantone and also drove cement truck in summer months, until his retirement due to health reasons. John was a life member of the Kiantone Fire Department along with several horse related organizations. An avid car enthusiast and farmer, John could always be found on a tractor on the farm or behind the wheel of his pick-up checking in on neighbors. Though none of the horses were ever "his", he and Dianne first met through the love of them. They spent many years building lifelong friendships with other "horse people". Surviving are his wife, Dianne James Russell with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 1st; two daughters, Deborah R. (James) Black of Sherman, NY; Valarrie L. Russell of Nashville, TN; he was "Crazy Grandpa" to his two grandchildren, Samantha M. Black and Kristopher M. Black both of Sherman; a step grandson, Jamie A. L. Black of Ashville, NY; two sisters, Beverly Franzen of Jamestown; Carol (Erick) Fosburg of Gerry, NY; and his step father, Arthur L. Hodges of Jamestown. Also at home are his beloved corgis Tippy, Bruiser and Vinny. He was preceded in death by his father who died December 28, 1985; his mother on September 11, 1997; and his brother, Donald W. Russell on May 4, 2001. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Melvin R. McGinnis, pastor of Kiantone Congregational Church will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Kiantone. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kiantone Fire Department, 2318 Stillwater Frewsburg Road, Jamestown, NY 14701; or Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263.