Jimmy was born September 2, 1938 in Abbottsburg, NC. He died at his home in Hampstead and went to his place in Heaven on September 10, 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Thompson Russ; son, James Preston Russ, Jr. and wife, Hollie of Rose Hill and daughter, Mary Anne Russ of Raleigh. Jimmy was especially proud of his grandchildren, Addie Julia Jeffreys, Benjamin Dowless Russ Jeffreys, Anna Southerland Russ, Caroline Grace Russ, Laura Elizabeth Russ, William Wallace (Jack) Jeffreys and James Preston Russ III. He is also survived by his brother, Ronnie Russ and wife, Barbara of Bladenboro.

Jimmy attended Campbell College, now Campbell University, where he studied business for two years. He was affiliated with the automobile business most of his adult life; first with Wells Oldsmobile in Whiteville and thirty-two years as owner of Jim Russ Chevrolet in Wallace.

A celebration of Jimmy's life will be 3:00 pm Sunday, September 12, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Wallace with the Reverend Dr. Thomas C. Womble, who also performed Jimmy and Anne's marriage ceremony and Jimmy's baptism at First Baptist Church in Bladenboro. John Collins and Dr. Dan Robinson will also help officiate.

Jimmy became a pilot at an early age and flew his own planes for several years. He was also an avid golfer and made many friends on the golf course. He will be remembered for many things but most of all for his love of life and his outgoing personality.

Jimmy served his community with great pride as he was on the board of Cooperative Savings and Loan, Waccamaw Bank, United Carolina Band and BB&T. He served as president and was a member of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce. He was also on the Chevrolet Dealer Council for the Charlotte Zone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Memorial Fund of First Baptist Church, 408 W. Main Street, Wallace, NC 28466.

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