William 'Jimmy' James Russell, 65

BRIDGEVILLE - William "Jimmy" James Russell, retired from the Delaware State Police, died suddenly Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007. He was 65.

Born on March 26, 1942, he was a lifelong resident of Bridgeville.

Mr. Russell graduated from Bridgeville High School, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-65, and retired from the Delaware State Police force in 1989.

Following his retirement, he worked for 10 years as an investigator for Brooks Armored Car Service, and at the time of his death was employed as a funeral director's assistant by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium.

Mr. Russell was a lifetime member of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Co., and was recently chosen by his peers as Fireman of the Year.

He was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite and was a member and past Master of Hiram Lodge 21.

Mr. Russell was also a member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police.

He was an avid golfer, and at the time of his death was looking forward to his annual trip to Myrtle Beach.

He enjoyed his big, black Harley-Davidson and the time he spent riding with his friends.

Mr. Russell is survived by his wife, Ellen; son, Christopher and his wife Sarah of Bridgeville; son, Douglas and his fiancee Stephanie Smith of Smyrna; two brothers, Robert Russell and Ronald Russell, both of Bridgeville; a sister, Carol Carlisle and her husband Keith of Greenwood; and his father-in-law, John Kunkle, formerly of Milford, now living in Roxboro, N.C.; step-grandchildren, Jordan and Erin Chisenhall; and three grandchildren who were truly the joys of his life, Christopher Blake, Samuel Roland and baby Allison Grace.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Union United Methodist Church, Market and Laws streets, Bridgeville, with the Rev. Dale Brown officiating.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday in Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville.

Interment with full state police honors will be at Bridgeville Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 727, Bridgeville, DE 19933; or Bridgeville Public Library Building Fund, 210 Market St., Bridgeville, DE 19933.