James Russell

Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home - Dr. James B. "Jim" Russell, D.D.S. died on Thursday, December 14, 2017, following a long illness. Jim was born to Gladys and Ben Russell in Drumright, Oklahoma on June 25, 1924. He attended high school in Drumright. Following his high school graduation, Jim enrolled and attended the University of Oklahoma. Jim joined the U.S. Navy and after graduation from OU, the Navy sent him to Washington, D.C. to Georgetown Dental School. After graduation from dental school, Jim returned to Bartlesville and opened a dental office. In the early 50s, knowing he would soon be called to the U.S. Air Force, he enlisted. After two years, he came back to Bartlesville where he opened a dental office and had a very successful practice for 40+ years. In 1959, Jim and the former Ruth Quick were united in marriage. They had a cabin on Grand Lake and spent 13 years going there every weekend. Jim loved to fish and hunt, but mostly he loved fishing. The Russell children also enjoyed going to the lake as they loved to water ski. Later when the children were older, Jim bought a ranch south of Bartlesville. Along with the ranch, he bought some cows and a cowboy neighbor helped care for the ranch and livestock. Also, before Jim retired, he became interested in pottery (hand thrown). He was self-taught as he bought a wheel and lots of books and taught himself to throw. He became accomplished enough that he sold many pieces at the OK Mozart Festivals and, it's likely, folks in the Bartlesville area may still have one or more of his pots. Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth, of the family home; three children, Sharon Russell Thomas, Janet Russell Leger and her husband, Gary, Lance Russell and his wife, Stacie; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and dad, Gladys and Ben Russell; and three sisters, Erlene Coffied-Huff, Jane Agnew and Mamie Healer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in memory of Jim, be given to Rivercross Hospice, 2301 S.E. Washington Blvd., Suite C, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Visitation Details

Saturday, December 16th, 2017 9:00am - 8:00pm, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Sunday, December 17th, 2017 9:00am, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Monday, December 18th, 2017 9:00am, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Service Details

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017 2:00pm, Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville