John Thomas Russell

John Thomas Russell was born on November 25, 1963, in Gresham, Oregon to Otho “Blackie” and Le Etta May (Davis) Russell. His mother passed away when John was very young. He grew up in a simple two-bedroom home in the woods with nt running water or bathrooms, just an outhouse. He and his brother Bill would grow up as poor boys working their family farm in Montana, but they found that the best part of life was enjoying nature and family.   John loved the outdoors more than anyone, including the mountains and beach. He and his best friend, Kory Smith would go hunting, John always referred to Kory as a brother. John’s favorite thing to do was camp and he could find the perfect spot and a tent was never required. John preferred sleeping under the stars in his sleeping bag more than anything. Besides the outdoors, John had a passion for playing pool. He was not picky about the game played if he had his pool stick and cue balls. He loved to relax and drink his signature Blue Moon with an orange, and his other favorite, a Bahama Mamma. Later in life, he was blessed with four daughters. John would be mostly self-employed and a stay-at-home dad. His children were his were his world and he was their best friend. For the last 20 years, John lived in Salem and the last 11 years he worked at Salem Hydraulic. John passed away on September 4, 2021 and he will be remembered for always loving his family. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his four children, Angela Garrison, Kayla Delfino, Kendra Russell and Kylee Russell; brother, William “Bill” Russell; in addition to 6 grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.