John “Jack” Muir Russell

SCOTTSDALE – Scottsdale, Arizona- John “Jack” Muir Russell 87, unexpectedly passed away after a brief illness Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center in Scottsdale Arizona.

Jack was born in Chatham, New Brunswick. The son of the late Hugh Willis and Cora Adelaide Gilfillan Russell. He was preceded in death by one brother William Henry Russell.

Jack grew up in Canada and as a young man was an avid outdoorsman. He helped with the family fishing camp business as a guide along the Miramichi, Restigouche and Bonaventure rivers in Canada.

Jack worked as an engineer for The Pittston Company and as an appraiser for the Virginia Department of Taxation. In 1972 Jack relocated to Nogales, Arizona to be near his aging mother and made the Grand Canyon state his home for the next 50 years.

Jack retired from the Arizona Department of Revenue after many years of service. He was very active in his community. He served as Past President and Executive Director of the Oasis Park Company. Jack was a great story teller and a true friend to those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Marilee (Crass) Russell, the love of his life. Two sons, Hugh and wife Donita Russell of Gaithersburg, Maryland; Bruce and wife Stephanie of Mooresville, North Carolina; one daughter Melinda Poppe and husband Mark of Phoenix, Arizona; five grandchildren, Traci Russell, Matthew Poppe, John Poppe, Chloe Russell and Mallory Russell.

A celebration of Jack’s Life will be conducted at a later date.