John (Jack) M. Russell Sr., 86, of Paradox, N.Y.

Jack Russell, 86, passed away June 10, 2017 at Glens Falls Hospital after a hardfought battle with cancer.

Born Aug. 8, 1930, he was the son of the late Oren C. and Edith P. Mac Daniel Russell and youngest brother of the late James, Anna Mae Ostrander, George, Garvin, Robert, and William Russell. Jack was born in Kingston and lived on Mac Daniel Road in Shady, N.Y., until age 13. After living in Kingston briefly, Jack and his parents moved to West Hurley, where he lived until his retirement.

Jack would be married to the late Nancy Ruth Barley for almost 45 years, raising one son. After driving tractor-trailers for 20 years, Jack returned to his first love and began his excavation business, which he operated for another 20 years. Jack was happiest when working and operating one of his many pieces of machinery. After retiring and with the passing of Nancy, Jack moved to Paradox Lake in the Adirondack Mountains and married Theresa Duke. Together, they spent their golden years enjoying the mountains in the summer and winters in Lake Panasoffkee, Fla. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Duke, of Paradox Lake; son, John M. Jr. and his domestic partner Kathleen Suess, of Glenford; granddaughter, Lindsay N. Russell of Shokan; grandson, Stephen S. Russell of Buffalo; the extended families of Rodger and Carol Duke of Dexter, N.Y., and Robert Duke of Val Verde Calif.; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 24 at Lasher Funeral Home, 100 Tinker St., Woodstock, N.Y. Burial will be private. Contributions to your preferred cancer charity or hospice are requested in lieu of flowers.