Mr. Jesse James Russell, age 86 years of Niles, Michigan died of natural causes Friday evening, July 8, 2016 at his home.

He was born on August 27, 1929 in Decatur, Alabama to Leon and Myrtle (Verner) Russell. He was raised and schooled in Alabama, and came to Niles in 1949 where he lived the rest of his life. He was employed at Robinson's Cabinet Shop in Elkhart, Indiana and later as a Concrete Finisher on the original construction of the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Generating Station in Brigdman, Michigan.

Jesse was active at the Victory Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God in Dowagiac, Michigan. He enjoyed maintaining and sharing the produce of his vegetable garden. In the past he has enjoyed ice fishing in several area lakes.

On October 17, 1956 in Iuka, Mississippi he married the former Marjorie J. "Jean" Williams with whom he celebrated the Fifty-fifth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on January 4, 2012. He was also preceded in death by a son, John Russell and a daughter, Gloria Scott.

Surviving family includes a son, Charlie Van James (& LaNae) Russell of Bradenton, Florida; six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, four sisters, two brothers, many nieces and nephews; and a great circle of wonderful friends and neighbors including Amy Jo.

The funeral service for Jesse Russell will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Mr. Charles Moore of Victory Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jesse may be made to the Victory Tabernacle PCOG, 33440 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.