Russell Rusty James

Russell “Rusty” Eugene James, the son of Cecil Irvin and Francis Lucille (Aber) James, was born August 2, 1955, in Youngstown, Ohio. Rusty entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, Iowa, at the age of sixty years, nine months, and twenty-three days.
Rusty’s youth was spent in Florida where he attended school. He worked in Florida as a tree trimmer and also as a carpenter in a cabinet shop. He moved to Iowa in 1992 after spending a week’s vacation in the state, and he has resided here since that move. On March 31, 2001, he married Denena Anne Weese, in Maryville, Missouri. Following their marriage they resided in Gravity, Iowa. Rusty worked a short time in the scrap metal business. He also worked at Agriland in Orient, Iowa, before working at the COOP in Clarinda, Iowa, as an anhydrous applicator.
Rusty’s work spilled over into his hobbies as he enjoyed “scraping” during his time away from work. He also liked to “try his luck” with “pull tabs”. However, his favorite times were those spend with his family, especially time with his grandchildren. Rusty was always there, ready to help, whenever he was called. He will be missed by many.
Left to cherish Rusty’s passing is his loving wife of 15 years, Denena of Corning, Iowa; daughters: Sharlene (Jason McNutt) Sullivan, Gravity, Iowa; Felicia (Noah Miller) Murray, Kellerton, Iowa; Starla (Dakota Oliphant) Murray, Clearfield, Iowa; son: Todd Murray, Creston, Iowa; grandchildren: Ashleigh Rhoads, Issac Sullivan; Rose and Lucas Miller; sisters: Zelda (J.P. Mitulinski) James-Mitulinski, Templeton, Iowa; Iva Joy (David) Pillbeam, Dunde, Michigan; Sonja (Bill) Neal, Dallas, Texas; brother: Gary (Alice) James, Tampa, Florida; mother and father-in-law: Ina and Gary Weese, Maryville, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Preceding Rusty in death were his parents, and son Russell James Jr.