James Paul Russian

James (Jim) Russian passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Jim was born January 3, 1935 in Chicopee, Kansas to Paul and Mary (Schountz) Russian. He attended Kirkwood grade school, Chicopee grade school, and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1952. After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1952 and served on AMS 49 Mine Sweeper after completing boot camp. He was discharged from the Navy in August of 1954 as Petty Officer 3rd Class. After being discharged from the Navy, Jim attended P.S.U. college in September 1954, and graduated in 1957 with a B.S. in business and accounting major. He married Johnna Lou Gilbert on September 3, 1955. She survives of the home.


Jim worked for Schallo Awning Co. and A&P Grocery while in high school and college. He worked for Stevens Catering Co. on the East Coast at major horse racing tracks in New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. Jim returned to Pittsburg and worked for Bowlus School Supply as office manager for one year. He then went to work for Bottenfield's Beauty Supply as sales consultant for 33 years. His sales territory included Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Jim spent two years as manager of the Pittsburg store. Later, he worked for Peel's Beauty Supply for seven years before retirement as a sales consultant in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.


Jim, also known as "Pa" enjoyed football and basketball, especially St. Mary's and P.S.U. games. He also loved to watch his children and grandchildren participating in sports. Jim was an avid quail hunter. He loved to work and watch his bird dogs. He really enjoyed horse racing as well. Jim and his wife, Johnna, took 69 cruises together, and this was always their favorite vacation. Jim was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, AARP, the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.


Jim is survived by his wife Johnna Russian, daughter Carol Jameson, daughter Lisa Jordan, son Jamie Russian, son Mark Russian (Tammy), and son Robert Russian (Susan). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Paul Russian and a son Dennis Russian.


The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Monday March 31st at Brenner Mortuary in Pittsburg, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday April 1st at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, Kansas with Father Josh Evans as celebrant. Burial will follow at Highland Park Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or the SEK Humane Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.

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