James "Irvin" Russell

James “Irvin” Russell, 86, of Monrovia, passed peacefully from this life in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 31, 2025, while in the care of Miller’s Merry Manor. He was born in Salem, IN, on May 18, 1939, to the late Paul G. and Nina E. (Brewer) Russell. A proud graduate with the class of 1958 from Campbellsburg High School, where he met his first wife, Connie Williams. The pair were married 2 years after graduation and spent 14 years together until her passing in 1974. Irvin began his career as a semi driver, initially working for Lawyer Trucking where he met the second love of his life, Margaret McCracken at Kelly’s on the hill in Mooresville. The couple spent over 40 years together until her passing in 2019. Irvin later secured employment at Trailmobile from 1981 to 1993, then deservingly retired from Reliable Trailers on June 1, 2001. A member of the Mt. Carmel Church, Irvin enjoyed gardening, tinkering on his beloved Farmall tractor, along with his vehicles, and watching westerns on tv. A quiet, simple man, he was truly a hard worker, and his vacations were spent at home working around the yard and house. Continuously putting family first. He reveled in visiting with family and friends and cheering his grandkids on in all their activities. He will be forever missed. Along with his parents, Irvin was preceded in death by his wife, Connie (Williams) Russell; longtime partner, Margaret (Poore) McCracken; children, Gail Koopman, Phil McCracken, and Jimmy McCracken; siblings, Mary Ellen, Mildred, Jewel, and Larry Russell; and son in law, Terry Mobley. He leaves behind his children, Tammy Wingler (Terry) of Campbellsburg, Jim Russell (Amy) of Monrovia, Danny Koopman (Gretchen) of Franklin, Judy Mobley of Monrovia, Ann Brindley (Troy) of Monrovia, and Juanita Lavy (Pete) of Plainfield; Grandchildren, Heather Land, Johnna Molina, Baylee McCubbins, Brock Russell, Risa Kimmel (Nicki), Josh Mobley, Taleena Hurt, Stacy Garver, Tina Knoy, John Baker, Samantha Lavy, and Kaitlyn Lavy; along with 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Funeral and Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 4:00pm until a Celebration of Life Memorial Service beginning at 7:00pm, and Pastor Keenan Steinway will officiate. Private inurnment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by clicking https://www.stjo.org/, or by mail to the St Joseph’s Indian School PO Box 236, Chamberlain, SD 57326 and envelopes will be provided during services. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Irvin’s memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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James "Irvin" Russell

May 18, 1939 - May 31, 2025