Funeral for retired COL James R. Russell, 71, Lawton, will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the First Assembly of God, Lawton with Dr. Glenn Reynolds and Pastors Don Barnes and Gary Pratt officiating. COL Russell passed away at home surrounded by his family and dear friends on Saturday, April 12, 2014 following a long illness. Burial with Full Military Honors will be held at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. The family will greet friends Tuesday evening, April 15, 2014 at the funeral home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. COL (Retired) Jim Russell was born May 18, 1942 in Grady, Alabama to Felix T. Russell and Louise Wright Russell. He grew up and attended schools in Alabama, graduating from Montgomery County High School at Ramer, Alabama in 1960. He participated in numerous sports and was an honor student during his youth. He attended and graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama in March 1965 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Science. After a brief employment with Kraft Foods Company as a Dairy Field Representative, Jim was drafted into the US Army in January 1966 at the height of the Vietnam War. Jim was designated a distinguished military graduate from Officer Candidate School and entered Army active duty on December 6, 1966, after being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery. His military education included the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School; the Field Artillery Advanced Course, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Army War College and the US Army Ranger School. Additionally, Jim earned a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. COL Russell served extensively in command and troop leadership positions in Army units throughout the world. During two tours in Vietnam, and three tours in Germany, he soldiered predominantly with field artillery units supporting combined operations. Prior to his retirement from active duty following 27 years of distinguished service, COL Russell served in command positions often in support of military units at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After retirement, COL Russell served several more years at Fort Sill as the Garrison Commander, formerly referred to as the Base Operations Manager, a position within Civil Service Garrison structure. Under his leadership, Fort Sill was recognized by the Chief of Staff of the Army as the only three time Commander-In-Chief (CINC) winner for leading the "Best Installation in the Army!" His outstanding service was recognized with the Department of Defense Meritorious Service Award. COL Russell was the recipient of the Army's highest awards and decorations which include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Ranger Tab. In March 1995 to January 2012, COL Russell commenced a second career as the CEO of Stellar Solutions, Inc., a Department of Defense contracting company in Lawton, Oklahoma. Throughout his life, he was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, golfer and closely followed sports as a past time and a primary hobby. He loved and supported his favorite football team, Auburn University ! COL Russell is survived by his loving wife Nita, and three sons: Dale Russell and wife Kim; Rob Russell and wife Kelly; Nathan Merritt and his wife Laci. Five wonderful grandchildren, Lathan and Lanie Merritt of Sterling, Oklahoma and Megan Cramer, Haden Day and Alli Marcos of Alabama; and three great grandchildren; Tallen, Kenneth and Emma. Two sisters, Ann Dean and husband Bobby of Montgomery, Alabama and Jane Dennis and husband Joe of Wetumpka, Alabama; many nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Louise Russell of Grady, Alabama. Donations in COL Russell's memory may be made to the; American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Faith Hospice, 1836 NW 52nd , Suite B, Lawton, OK 73505 or to the charity of the donors choice.