James Russell Wilson

WILSON – Pastor James Russell, 89, Duncansville, went to be with the Lord, April 9, 2025. Born September 23, 1935, in Wilmore, son of George E. and Thelma A. (Seaman) Wilson. Preceded in death by parents; daughter, Rowena Kirk; sisters, Ruth Hazlett, Louise Rusnak, and Thelma “Sue” Gearity; and brothers, George, John, and Robert.

Survived by loving wife, Janet (Emigh) Wilson; daughters, Kathleen, wife of Greg Waggoner; and Robin and Melody Wilson; son-in-law, Pastor Paul Kirk; grandchildren, Ryan (Megan), Josiah (Rachel), Luke (Madi), Brianna, Paul (Katie), Caleb (Brooke) and Kara (Mike); and eight great grandchildren.

Russell was a graduate of Wilmore High School, class of 1954 and a graduate of Penn State University, where he studied agriculture. He felt a special connection to the land, but the Lord whispered to him, and he followed, attending Asbury University and dedicating his life to ministry. Instead of crops, he sowed faith in others, watering them with encouragement, sharing the light of God’s word, and watching them grow. Along the way, he also shared his love of knowledge as a math and science teacher at Wesleyan Holiness Academy, Portage. Life was not always easy, no gardener escapes the weeds, but Russell kept his hands in the soil, his eyes on Heaven, and his heart anchored in faith. Each of us carries a seed he planted—of faith, of love, of purpose.

Friends will be received from 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 16, 2025, at Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork; Pastor Robert Maurer, presiding. Interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Johnstown.