Obituary of James Sutherland Russell

It is with heavy hearts that the family of James “Jim” Russell announces his passing, which occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Halifax, he was the son of Rev. George and Jeannette Russell.

In his youth, Jim joined the University Naval Training Division while attending Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, where after years of training and sailing the world, he received a promotion to the Command rank of Sub-Lieutenant (1959). After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Jim went on to earn a Chartered Accountant designation (1964).

He’s the former President of the NB Institute of Chartered Accountants (1985-86), as well as having served on the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Board of Governors (1984-86). In 1988, he received the honour of “Fellow Chartered Accountant” from the NB Institute of Chartered Accountants, the highest honour the CA profession bestows on its members.

He spent much of his professional career as a senior executive at Halifax Developments Ltd. (1970-73) and Baxter Foods Limited (1973-96) in Saint John, NB; before finishing his career as the Chief Financial Officer for Rothesay Netherwood School (1997-2007). Over the years, Jim served as a Director of many community groups including the SJ Regional Hospital, Uptown Saint John, SJ Board of Trade, and the SJ Airport.

Jim loved to travel, especially with his family and friends. He was an avid sailor, tennis player, and skier; though his real passion became touring the open road on his motorcycle. At the age of 60, he bought a bike, learned how to ride it, and never looked back. In the twenty years since, he has traveled all over North America on his motorcycle with his friends.

James is survived by his wife Noreen Patricia (McNamara) Russell, his daughter Jacqueline “Jacqui” Rita Russell (Emeline Callan) of Ireland, his son James Stephen “Steve” Russell of Rothesay, his week-old grandson Alexander “Xander” James Callan of Ireland; his sister Georgette Morrison (Russell) Britten (Alan Britten) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, his nephew Kevin and nieces Katheryn and Heather Britten and family also of Halifax, NS.

Besides his parents Reverend John George Russell and Jeannette Gordon (Sutherland) Russell of Truro, Nova Scotia, James is predeceased by his granddaughter Georgia Anne Callan of Ireland, and his nephew Robert Britten of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119) where both visitation and a funeral service will take place. The former on Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 1:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM; the latter will be held the following day on Monday, January 20, 2020 at 12:00 PM with a reception to follow the service.

If you are considering making donations in memory of James, the family has requested donating to either the KV or SJ food baskets, BeeMeKidz in Saint John, or a charity of your choice.