James Jay Russell

James H. Russell (Jay) was born in the mine hospital in Tererro, NM. He spent the summers of his early life in the Holy Ghost Canyon in the Pecos River Valley. 

Jay loved New Mexico throughout his 83 years and chose to settle in Santa Fe after he graduated from Cornell University, served in the US Army as a First Lieutenant, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma Law School. 

While at Cornell, Jay met and married his forever love, Mary Keating and for 62 years they shared life’s adventures. During his time in the Intelligence Division in the Army, year old daughter Katherine (Kandy) traveled with Jay and Mary being toted around from military base to base. Just before entering law school, son Charles (Chuck) was born and the trek to Norman, Oklahoma and ultimately New Mexico began. 

Before going into private law practice, Jay worked for NM Supreme Court Justice James Compton and Attorney General Dave Norvell. Throughout his years as an attorney Jay made time to give countless volunteer hours to community service. He served on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Santa Fe, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Fe, the Espanola Wildlife Center, the Santa Fe Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and was a member and officer of Santa Fe Civitans. Caring deeply for the community of Santa Fe, Jay worked on various citizens committees of the City of Santa Fe and contributed to efforts to preserve the original Cross of the Martyrs. He did so much more than what can be put down on paper. 

Over the years Jay’s love of history and New Mexico resulted in frequent trips of discovery and travel throughout the state with the children.  After retirement, Jay and Mary then visited dozens of countries worldwide wrapping up their travels with an African safari and trip to Victoria Falls and Cape Town.  Devoted to Kandy and Chuck, and grandchildren, Rebeca, Thomas and Madeline, Jay and Mary created opportunities for the children to enjoy traveling with them. 

Jay loved animals and they loved him. He also was a gadget-man, acquiring often unique and rather funny items that came on the market. He was an avid reader and sports fan. Jay was a member of the Lobo Club and proud owner of the Green Bay Packers.

During the months before he passed away on October 11th, Jay lived in the Montecito Memory Care Residence, nourished and loved by Montecito caregivers, Hospice providers and CareSource assistants each of whom gave him a quality life until the end. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Russell and Jean Russell, Sister Jean Finney, Brother Steve Russell, daughter Elizabeth Russell, sister in law Sally Kearing, brother-in-law Yurik Khodjasarian, Jay’s brother-in-law Jim Wilson passed hours after Jay on October 12, 2021.

Jay is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughter, Kandy Licona (Miguel), son, Chuck Russell, sister, Leslie Khodjasarian, and grandchildren, Rebeca Licona, Thomas Russell and Madeline Russell. Thomas and Madeline’s mother Jenny Bickerstaff also survives Jay as does his cousin John Russell, sister in law Kathy Wilson and brothers in law Jim Keating, Bill Finney, and Dee and Mike Nolan and dear family friend Rita Bustos.  The many members of the Russell, Keating, Licona, Wilson and Finney families mourn the loss of Jay’s wit and intelligence. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Autism Speaks or a charity of your choice. 

Memorial Service will be held on November 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:45 p.m.