James P. Russell

James Patrick Russell, age 75, of Hammondsport, NY and formerly of Penn Yan, NY, died Monday, March 9, 2026. Jim fought against cancer for 15 years before passing surrounded by loved ones at Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan, NY.

Jim was born October 29, 1950 in Chicago, IL, to the late Richard and Virginia Russell. He was dedicated to his studies and graduated with a doctorate in physics at the University of Chicago, and an MBA, at The Rochester Institution of Technology. Jim worked at Xerox in Rochester, NY for 38 years as a product engineer before retiring in 2018. He had many diverse passions including orienteering, skiing, hiking, boy scouts/sea scouts, woodworking, music and travel. Amongst the joy he had while pursuing his passions, he competed in the Empire State Games and obtained a gold medal in winter orienteering. Jim also loved scouting so much that he participated in various roles for over 35 years including: leader, cubmaster, trainer, merit badge counselor, and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Jim received the Silver Beaver award in Boy Scouts for his distinguished service. Jim was also an avid guitar player, and spent countless hours leading the praise band at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church. He also loved hiking and camping, and recently had crossed the country to see many of the national parks.

Jim is loved and will be dearly missed by his wife, Barbara Russell, his sons: Timothy (Amy) Russell of Pendleton, NY., Steven Russell of Denver, CO., Andrew (Katherine) Trout of Geneva, NY., Daniel Guard (Adele) of Penn Yan, Alexander Schroo of Hammondsport; by his daughters: Megan (Matthew) Andersen of Clarence, NY., Kathleen (Jacob) Smith of Victor, NY., Abigail Schroo (Ryan) of Burdett, NY., Jarlin Roman of Geneva, NY.; his brothers: Daniel Russell of Colorado Springs, CO., and Thomas (Lucindy) Russell of Sanford, FL., and his sisters, Anne (Robert) Ballard of Orland Park, IL., and Mary Morrissy of Chicago, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. And by his 25 grandkids, where Jim now joins his grandson Jude in Heaven.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Penn Yan United Methodist Church, 166 Main St. in Penn Yan on Saturday March 28th. Calling hours will be held from 1-3 pm followed by a service at 3. A reception will be held after the service.

The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the Keuka Comfort Care Home for the warmth and care that was given to Jim and his family while going through this tough time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations for support in his memory to the Keuka Comfort Care Home, 35 NY-54 East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (KeukaComfortCareHome.org).