Jim and Mary Russell
Faith Formation’s annual “Breakfast With St. Nicholas” held in the community center gym in early December was an occasion to see Jim and Mary Russell doing what they so often do individually and collectively – devote time and talent to Holy Spirit. Jim worked the serving line, and Mary directed the youth choir. The Russells have been active in Holy Spirit life since dropping in on a Mass during the second week of the parish’s existence in spring 1974. Jim joined the Knights in February 2012 and became a Fourth Degree member last September. He is a charter member of 8157’s Degree Team, now serving as Warden. Jim is in his first fraternal year as the council’s Lecturer, in which he delivers informative and inspirational talks at the end of each monthly general membership meeting. It’s a role that Jim takes very seriously; he works on each talk for about six weeks. The Russells have been Holy Spirit choir members for about 35 years, switching from 9:30 to the Saturday 5:30 group about 15 years ago. Mary teaches a second-grade Faith Formation class. They met at Oklahoma State University in the early 1960s, were married in 1966 and have lived in Cedar Hill since 1972. Jim retired in 2011, and Mary is a part-time music teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Waxahachie. We’re lucky they’re here.