JAMES "JIM" M. RUSSO

James “Jim” Russo

WOOD RIVER

           Jim Russo of Wood River, formerly of Alton, died Sunday morning, August 20, 1995 at home with his wife and children at his side. James “Jim” Michael Russo was born June 29, 1942 to Wilma and Herman Russo.    

           He married Helen Fry in Rosewood Heights in 1963, she survives. Helen is a 1959 graduate of Bethalto High School.  Jim and Helen had three daughters.

           Jim worked at Olin Corporation, East Alton, in the main office in Brass Sales. He enjoyed his work and had many friends that he made at and through work. He and Helen belonged to the Alton Sportsman Club.

            At special events such as the club’s annual Sports Fest, you could always find them working in as many as three capacities. He cooked for Sportsman Club Chicken Sundays and enjoyed the kitchen camaraderie.

            Though he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he was a fighter, living a year longer than expected and enjoying most of that time. His daughter from Texas was visiting when he died, so his whole family was around him.

            In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three daughters; Patricia Cardenas, Plano TX; Penny Cathorall, Plainview IL; and Paula Bailey, East Alton Il, one grandson,  four granddaughters; and many friends.

            Jim’s father, Herman Russo, predeceased him. A brother, Don Russo, died within a year or so; and his mother,Wilma Russo, died after both her sons. 

            Jim Russo is buried at Rose Lawn Memorial in Bethalto IL.  

            Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.