Jimmy Ray Russell Sr., 89, of New Madrid, Missouri, formerly of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026.

Jim was born on November 15, 1936, in Drumright, Oklahoma, to Walker T. and Ruby Eikenbary Russell. He graduated from Drumright High School in 1955, where he enjoyed playing football and basketball and excelled in track.

Following graduation, Jim worked for Title Oil Company before beginning a lifelong career in carpentry and construction. He eventually became a construction site supervisor, building homes that families would cherish for generations. On June 23, 1956, he married Madeline Bernice Collins. Together they raised four children—Jimmy Jr., Cindy, Steven, and Peggy Sue (Susie)—in Drumright, Oklahoma.

On September 12, 1986, Jim married Ruth Reinsmith, and the couple made their home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. They remained married until Ruth's passing in 2014. Ruth was the love of Jim's life. Together, they worked side by side at Kleinco Construction, where Jim supervised construction crews and Ruth managed everything else—including Jim. He was known for his attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to ensuring every client was more than satisfied. Many of his clients became lifelong friends. Jim loved talking about his projects and could easily share countless stories about the people he worked with and the challenges each job required. He retired at the age of 68.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in fishing and metal detecting at Lake Okmulgee, searching for antiques, tending his garden, watching OU Sooner football, and spending countless hours in his workshop. He especially loved woodworking, creating beautiful furniture and handcrafted pieces for his family—treasures that will be cherished for generations. Jim was proud to be a member of the Cherokee Nation and took great care to pass on the importance of his heritage to his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walker and Ruby Russell; his sister, Jane Russell White; his brothers, Buck Russell, Joe Russell, and Walker Russell; his son, Steven Russell; and his beloved wife, Ruth Russell.

He is survived by his children and stepson: Jimmy (Debbie) Russell Jr. of New Madrid, Missouri; Cindy (Dan) Smith of Garland, Texas; Susie Russell Eddy of Glenpool, Oklahoma; and Kim Reinsmith of Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Doug (Nikki) Russell of Hobbs, New Mexico; Dana (Blake) Sudduth of Garland, Texas; James (Halley) Russell of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Leslie Russell Sutton (Tom Schoemehl) of New Madrid, Missouri; Adam Smith of Jacksonville, Texas; Cody (Brenda) Russell of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Tyler Ditto of Moore, Oklahoma; and Josh, Cary, Theodore, Kameron, and Kadein Reinsmith of Oklahoma.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Sam and Will Sutton; Audrey and Emily Sudduth; Elizabeth, James Walker, and Theodore Russell; and Zoey, Rayden, Zakary, and Camila Russell.

Jimmy Ray Russell Sr. will be laid to rest alongside his wife and son in Oilton, Oklahoma.