James "Jimmy" Russell

James “Jimmy” Lee Russell, 65, of Charlevoix, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Villa at The Bay in Petoskey.  He was born on October 10, 1957, in Charlevoix, the son of Robert Waffle and Linda (Frye) Potter.

Jimmy graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1975, and would go on to work in the area at several different establishments.  He worked for Barney Way driving garbage truck, as well as at Petoskey Plastics, and he detailed cars on the side.

Jimmy could often be seen driving around Charlevoix and the surrounding area on his beloved John Deer lawn tractor.  He was also known to be quite a prankster, taking any opportunity to crack a joke or scare someone.  He enjoyed metal detecting, and liked to fish when he was younger.  He loved listening to old country music, especially Hank Williams Sr., and his favorite song to sing at karaoke was “Your Cheatin’ Heart”.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Russell; his daughter, Jamie Bogart (Jon Archambault) of Charlevoix; his granddaughter, Isabel Bogart; his mother, Linda (Frye) Potter; three brothers, Randy Russell of East Jordan, Jerry Jr. (Jen) Russell of Charlevoix, and Jack (Anne) Russell of Charlevoix; his sister, Cathy Russell of Charlevoix; two step-brothers, Steven (Sally) Russell and Martin Russell, both of England; and a special family friend, Ed Bogart III.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Waffle; his step-father, Gerald Russell Sr.; and his grandparents, Mildred Reno, and Rose and Medrick Waffle.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services at 1:00.  There will be a luncheon immediately following the service at Freedom House Ministries in Charlevoix.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com