By Sherrie Wilson and Deborah Stroud
The marriage of James and Frances Russell is a genuinely sweet love story. They’ve shared many good times and endured some hard times along the way too. The glue that has held them together, especially through the difficult times, is love.
Love is an action—it is demonstrated in how we treat and respect others, it is nurtured by striving to live and love each other. It is patient and kind; it is not boastful or proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV: James and France’s marriage aligns with this Biblical doctrine and is a good example for their children, their church family and friends.
For anyone who does not know James and Frances, James is also a minister who was pastor of Fellowship Christian Church for 24 years. Dad (James) oftentimes would say, “those who pray together, stay together.”
James is the son of the late Ivan and Trilma Russell. He grew up in a large family with two brothers and five sisters. They lived in Harlan, Kentucky, until James was about 10 years old when they moved to Tennessee.
His dad was a bricklayer and his mother graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in education after raising eight children, and retired as a school teacher.
Frances is the daughter of Roscoe and Naomi Heiskell. She grew up in a large family as well, with three brothers and two sisters and a special cousin who was like a sister. Her dad and mom were grocery store owners and farmers.
James and Frances met in high school, but it was their high school prom when they first started dating. Dad says Mom was stunningly beautiful in her mid-length blue flared dress and he drove her home from the prom—this was their first date.
Dad was a football player and Mom must have been pretty supportive of the team because they were voted in the senior superlatives as the couple with the most school spirit.
They married on April Fool’s Day, April 1, 1962. Every anniversary that we can recall, they will tease each other that they had planned to say “April Fool” instead of “I do” then felt sorry for the other one and decided to say “I do.”
All in good fun, that sense of humor helped them form a bond that has lasted 60 years.
They lived in a small apartment atop James’s parents’ garage for a few months while they built their first home. James was, like his father and brothers, a bricklayer. He was able to get permission to take home the leftover mortar for laying his brick that would otherwise be discarded from the job sites where he worked.
Ivan gave them a lot off the family farm and they, along with family and friends, worked nights and weekends to build it.
Their “can do” attitude is another key to their success—most people wouldn’t think about building a house and pay as you go as the funds came in for building materials. But, if you ask them, they would say they didn’t think about it not working! They just did it!
Their first two children were born while living in this first two-bedroom home on Russell Road. Sherrie was born first, then Deborah was born three years later. Mom would make our clothes, matching outfits to wear with black patent shoes.
We could drop a piece of something on the floor and it was safe to pick it up and eat it. Mom mopped every single day; the home was small but it was immaculate! If she seen a blade of grass growing in the yard taller than the rest, she would get clippers and snip it.
We remember when Dad started building houses for sale and established J. T. Russell Construction company. Mom set up a desk in the corner of the den to pay bills and keep track of his expenses. She has since become a very integral part of his business.
The first home he built for sale was a house located in Kirkland Heights subdivision on Harmon Drive. They were expecting their third child and knew they would need an additional bedroom, so they started building another house on Angela Drive in the same subdivision.
This was a pretty bold move to have two houses under construction at one time for a first-time contractor, but the plan worked. They sold the house on Harmon Drive and moved into the home on Angela Drive. Through the years, they have built houses, churches, commercial buildings and developed a subdivision.
Soon after moving in to their new three bedroom home their third child, a boy, was born, named Brian James. This was one of those difficult times in life when everything didn’t go right. Brian had a heart birth defect, he only lived for 10 months. You can only imagine the tragedy of losing a child. It was unbearable, but they clung together and leaned on their Lord and Savior. Family and friends were supportive as well. They had another little baby boy and named him Aaron David about five years later.
It wasn’t long after Aaron was born that God called James to preach. He answered that call and Frances has been as supportive in his ministry as she has been in his construction business.
They have been active in planning church plays, singings, fall festivals and Christmas programs with multiple church participation. At the age of 79, they can both still work circles around us kids. They are a big measuring stick and we’ll be lucky to get to print this article as we know they do not want the recognition!
If you could sum up the key to their successful relationship, we believe it would be:
God centered life and marriage – Their relationship is based upon Godly love and respect.
No power plays – They are both independent thinkers and can make decisions on their own, but out of respect for one another they make the big decisions together.
Humor – Being able to laugh together and enjoy the journey even if it means your wedding is on April Fool’s Day.
Can do attitude – The confidence they have together in their ability to get any job done.
Wisdom and discretion – They share to select which projects to take on.