We are men who lead, serve, protect and defend, whether we are giving out Coats for Kids, donating wheelchairs, lending a helping hand in disaster relief efforts, supporting local pregnancy centers or providing top-quality financial products.
Jim Russell was born (an only child) and reared in Rochester New York but traveled to Stillwater Oklahoma to study and receive his degree (after much debate) in marketing. Talk to him about his alma mater and watch his face light up. He was an ROTC graduate and served 4 years as an officer including one tour in the Republic of Vietnam. In between his military career, in 1966 he married Mary and they have been together for 56 years, at least. Together the two of them raised 5 children (Jeanine, Mark, Matthew, Christine and Tiffany). And these five have given them 13 grandchildren. Jim’s career revolved mostly around purchasing machine parts for military contractors – first LTV (Ling Tempco Vaught) and then Raytheon. Jim and Mary have a long history with Holy Spirit having attended the 2nd ever Mass at Central Elementary. They were choir members for many years as well as faith formation instructors. When I asked Jim the best thing about the Knights he said “the charity. But for myself it’s the fraternity – the Knights are like my family”. Jim enjoys stamp collecting, reading, (particularly history), researching his family tree and he really gets excited when he starts talking about his knitting. He has knitted about 70 blankets and given them to his family and friends. His work with the Knights has been historic. He has been our Lecturer for about 5 years, Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator for the 4th degree, Director of Retention and he can be found at a multiple array of Knight activities, and he has once again resumed his role as Lecturer. A gifted writer should be added to his skills. A well-deserved honor to be Knight of the Month for July 2023
