Russell JAMES Obituary

You and Ivy great friends and ministers Gore early 70s.
Thanks
Howard and Alison

So sorry to find out you have passed away, Russell. You and Ivy have been such a vital part of my life. I'm very happy for you that you can once again be with Ivy and most importantly be with our Lord and Saviour. You and Ivy were Jesus to me here on earth and you gave me a glimpse of what it will be like to be with Him. It's a time of intense sadness and also a time of celebration as I see you go to your reward. The world is a lesser place because of your passing and a far, far better place because you were here sharing your life with so many of us. I will always remember you and Ivy fondly. Take care and God bless.

We have long and pleasant memories of Russell and Ivy. We lived in Taupo in the early 1960s, and this was Russell's first appointment after theological college. They were a great "parsonage couple" - very hospitable. It was here that Andrew was born just before our first daughter, so we had a lot in common. We have followed Russell's career throughout his distinguished ministry - he and the lovely Ivy are sorely missed.
Arthur & Pam Davis, Lower Hutt.

We were sorry to hear of Russell´s passing. He certainly had a wonderful impact on our lives from teenage years at church and earlier as a Scripture teacher at Opawa School for Jan. We always appreciated he and Ivy´s hospitality and genuine care. Warren´s Mum, Dawn, and Dad, Derek were deeply impacted by the input of Russell and Ivy into their lives. Lots of love to all the family. Warren & Jan Howie

Celebrating the life and legacy of Russell James, who impacted many of the founding leaders of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. We pray with the family as they remember and grieve and seek the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit for all who mourn. Blessings, Rev Brett Jones, National Superintendent, Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand

To Russell´s family,
Russell had a wonderfully positive impact at YMCA gym in Hereford Street. Apart from the inspiration of his physical persistence, he struck up in depth conversations with everyone. In so doing he created a caring family atmosphere which endures. He was much appreciated and is greatly missed. We are privileged to have known him and to have experienced his love for humanity firsthand.
Mary Harrow

To the James family, sorry to hear about the passing of Russell. Thinking of you all at this time.

Like so many others we met Russell (and Ivy) through Operation Friendship. Russell's warmth and generosity brightened the lives of countless students far from home over the years (not to mention a few lucky almuni who made NZ their forever home).
He had an amazing memory for names and faces and took a genuine interest in the student's lives and studies, taking time to make each feel welcome.
Our love and condolences to Russell's loved ones, we're sorry we can't be there to say goodbye but we'll never forget him.

To all the James Families my thoughts & prayers are with you all with the loss of Russell a very Special Man & dearly loved! Love Leon O´Sullivan

Dearly loved Brother of *Gwenda Wilden & Favourite Uncle of Lois & Allan McMurdo & *Peter & Ricki Wilden (*deceased) & Great Uncle of Amber, Krystal & Regan Thwaites, Shani & Kael Wilden (WA) & Gt Gt Uncle of Bailey & Dante McMurdo. A wonderful man of God, a gentleman who will be sorely missed by us all. We have shared wonderful family gatherings over the years & loved your yearly trips to visit your sister-Gwenda.Thank you for being so interested in us all and your faithfulness. What a beautiful family you have & a great legacy of faith you have left us. Now in Heaven with Jesus whom you loved & dear Aunty Ivy. We will always remember you with gratitude & love xx

To the James family, very sorry to hear of your loss, but what an amazing blessing both your mum and dad were to so many many people. Now in heaven with his savour which he has told so many people about during his life. Blessings to you all. Gary and Margaret

Our sincere condolences on the loss of Russell. What an incredible legacy he and Ivy leave. We appreciate all our memories of his quick mind and kind heart. He never missed a trick. A great encourager to all.

Andrew, Vickie, Ruth, Walter, David, Leanne & Liz, my heartfelt love and deepest appreciation for all that Russell has done. Both Russell and Ivy touched so many lives in their ministry, community and family. Always giving in service to everyone they met. So many fond memories, the parsonage in Aynsley Terrace, Grange Street, Opawa Methodist church, Bible class, beach missions, church camps, Easter camps + Quinney's Bush. A life well lived. Thank you.

I was so sad to hear on Thursday that dear Russell had passed away, as were my siblings. He and dear Ivy were such wonderful friends to Mum, and I'll remember them always. What joy there would have been in heaven when Russell joined his beloved Ivy, and all his loved ones who went before, not to mention the reunion with my dear Mum and all those from the church!

Our love and deepest condolences to Andrew and Vickie, Ruth and Walter, David and Leanne, and Liz, in the loss of your wonderful father. Thinking of all the grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.

Russell was a real man of God, and a wonderful inspiration to many people. Rest in peace Russell.

Andrew, Vickie, Ruth, Walter, David, Leanne & Liz our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, may you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared with Russell & Ivy over their lifetime. Such a Godly couple who had a significant impact on our lives when we attended Opawa Methodist Church. One can truly say they were 'Good and Faithful servants' of the Lord and are now him in Glory. Blessing and Love.

What a great cousin to remember. The last conversation I had with him was at a vegan restaurant, about 4 years ago. We talked about the value of his vegan lifestyle, the value of keeping fit and the pitfalls of remarrying. Always of course the grace of God and the joy He brings to life. A great cousin. I feel proud to remember his contribution.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole James family this time.
Russell leaves a LASTING LEGACY of a strong Faith and sincere guidance that influenced many peoples lives, including our family during our time at Opawa Methodist .
My life was enriched for having known him.

Will miss you on Sundays at Opawa Community Church.
Brenda and Wayne