James Russell Iii

COLONIE – James Russell III, 63, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2009 after a brief illness at Ellis Hospital. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 5, 1946 in Schenectady, James was the son of the late James and Betty Alberta (Becker) Russell Jr. He graduated from Linton High School and received his bachelor's from Clemson University in Clemson, SC.
James worked as a civil engineer for NYS Department of Transportation Region One for 41 years, before retiring this past May. He enjoyed visiting lighthouses, attending air shows and boating. He was a member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church, The Mohawk-Hudson Sail & Power Squadron and the Amateur Radio Club.
James is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Bonnie Lee (Sheldon) Russell of Colonie; his son, James Allen Russell of Colonie; his brothers, Christopher (Quata) Russell of Midland, TX and Harold (Karen) Russell of Ballston Spa; his nephews, David Russell of Schenectady and Robert (Bethany) Russell of Fresno, CA and his nieces, Amanda (Ronnie) Hall of Amarillo, TX and Candice (Jeff) Baker of McKinney, TX.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Pine Grove United Methodist Church, 1580 Central Ave., Colonie. Interment will follow at Memory's Garden in Colonie. Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr., Scotia, NY 12302 or to Knickerbocker Mansion, P.O. Box 29, Schaghticoke, NY 12154 in memory of James Russell III. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAlbany.com