John “J.R.” Henry Russ, Jr.

John “J.R.” Henry Russ, Jr. passed away on June 18, 2021, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita at the age of 80.

He was born on April 10, 1941 in Leavenworth, Kansas and was adopted by John Henry, Sr. and Florence (Steerman) Russ. J.R. married Judith K. Olson on May 28, 1961. They were blessed with three children: Jacqueline, Justin, and Jennifer. They later divorced.

J.R. grew up on the family farm south of Stockton. He graduated from Stockton High School with the Class of 1959. He returned to the family farm where he farmed and ranched during his early years. 

J.R. was a past Rotary member, member of Main Street Christian Church in Stockton for many years, and later First Christian Church in Plainville. He played the piano and organ for the churches and many other special events and funerals in many communities most all his life. His main love was music. For J.R., life was one grand, sweet song that has never ended. He will be remembered for the music he so gladly provided for anyone that asked, and we take comfort in knowing that although his life on earth is finished, he now embraces the fullness of life only his Lord can provide, that of eternal glory with Him, forever. 

Surviving J.R. are his children, Jacqueline (Ronnie) Gibson of Copeland, Kan., Jennifer (Steve) Griebel of WaKeeney, Kan., and Justin Russ (fiancé Lori Jackson) of Stockton; sister Joan Hull of Oro Valley, Ariz.; five grandchildren: Megan (Levi) Hedlund, Heather (Daniel) Hill, Ann Griebel, Taylor (David) Ghumm, and Cody (Madi) Russ; four great-grandchildren: Waylon, Wyatt, Luke, Leah, and two on the way, Baby Hill and Baby Russ; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

J.R. is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry, Sr. and Florence Russ; and brother-in-law, Darrell Hull.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Plainville. A Book Signing will be on Thursday at the Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton from 1:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. A private inurnment will follow in the Stockton Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Health Center or First Christian Church and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com