James Darrell Russell

James Darrell Russell James Darrell Russell, 86, passed away peacefully at Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona on March 3, 2024.

He was born in Watsonville, CA on July 21, 1937 to James and Essie Russell and was raised in California, Arkansas and finally settled in Tolleson, Arizona in 1948.

He married Daisy B. Buttes on Jan 29, 1957, in Avondale, Arizona while serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1961, he returned to Arizona where he served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Maricopa County Sheriff Department. In February 1964 he was appointed as a State Highway Patrolman, a calling in which he would serve honorably until October 1992 when he retired as a Lieutenant and Commander of District 9, Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Jim enjoyed spending time with family and “tinkering” on his many automobile projects that he never seemed to find enough time for since he was always taking time to keep his children’s vehicles road worthy as well. It was his complete devotion to family and friends that endeared him to everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his loving children; his two sons, Jim and his wife Tammie; and Mark and his wife Michelle, all of Tucson, Ariz.; and his two daughters, Terry Baker and her husband, Tim, of Sahuarita, Ariz.; and Tracy Steeves and her husband, Tom, of Chandler, Ariz. Jim was the proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Daisy Russell, his parents Merrell and Essie Russell, sister Ellen Massey and grandson Kyle Baker.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 1100 at the Calvary Chapel in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Interment will be on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 1100 at West Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Ariz.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hatfield Funeral Home.

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