Russells celebrate 60th anniversary
James E. Russell and Virginia (Ginny) Russell celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 13. The couple married on June 13, 1956, in Sandpoint.
An anniversary celebration with family and friends is planned for July 3 at the Sandpoint Elks from 4-8 p.m.
They have two children, James A. Russell of Ashburn, Va. and the late Debra Russell.
Jim and Ginny (Kelley) Russell met at a dance at Oden Hall in 1954.
Jim grew in Sandpoint and Ginny moved here from California as a sophomore in high school.
His grandfather, Ed Davis homesteaded on Grouse Creek in the early 1900s and his mother Mae Davis Russell Van der Pas was born in Sandpoint in 1912. Jim and Ginny both graduated from Sandpoint High School where Ginny was a Bulldog cheerleader and Jim played multiple sports.
After Jim graduated from the University of Idaho in electrical engineering in 1956, they moved east and lived in Lancaster, Pa., for one year. They then moved to Huntsville, Ala., where Jim was an Army officer in guided missiles and where their two children, Jim and Debi were born. In 1960, they moved to Rockville, Md., where they now reside.
Jim initially worked in projects for John Hopkins’ operations research office and then was a senior vice president with Science Applications International Corporation for over 30 years helping build the company to $6 billion in annual revenue.
Jim continues to serve as an independent consultant wherein he has helped over 100 companies increase their business in various areas of technology. He was inducted into the University of Idaho, Academy of Engineers in 2012.
In the summer and fall, they enjoy spending time monthly with family and friends at their place on Ross Road on the Pend Oreille River on Highway 2 west of Sandpoint.
Ginny’s brother Lawrence Kelly and Sherry live in the Gold Creek area, Jim’s sister, Bonnie Boettger lives in Tacoma, Wash., and his sister, Vivian Hooper lives with Ken in Bottle Bay and Boise. Jim’s brother, Ross, (with Barb) and brother, John, live on Ross Road.