James Alvin Russell III, 75, of Charleston, WV, died on June 15,  2025.

He was born on July 8,1949, in Lawrenceville, VA to James Alvin Russell, Jr. and Lottye W. Russell.

His K-12 education was received in the Hampton Public Schools, and his college education was completed at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) located in Hampton, Virginia. After gaining his B.S. Degree in Business Administration, Alvin served as a Sargent in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, where much of his time was spent in Panama.

Following his military service, he was employed by R.J. Reynolds, as a salesperson in Richmond, Virginia. Later, he continued his career and went on to become a financial stockbroker for Bank of America in Omaha, Nebraska.

After retiring from the workforce, Alvin became an Uber driver to remain active in his community.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents, James Alvin Russell, Jr. and Lottye W. Russell, and his sister, Charlotte Justyne Russell-Coley.

He is survived by cousins, Judy K. Deane-Cisco of Lake Mary, FL, Henry (Buddy) P. Russell, Jr. (Angela) of Hampton, VA, Russell Morgan Deane of Aurora, CO, Donella G. Russell-Moseley (James) of Midlothian, VA, and John S. Russell, Sr. (Carla) of So. Chesterfield, VA.

Alvin loved music, in particular, artists such as Aretha Franklin and George Clinton. His taste was wide and inclusive. Genres such as, Modern Jazz, Acid Jazz, and Big Band (like his father) were favorites. He also enjoyed watching TV sporting events, whether football, basketball, or baseball.

He loved to cook, read books, and travel. When he could, swimming was his passion and exercise of choice.

Alvin had fond memories of his trip to Paris. Capturing photos of places and people was a favorite during his travels.

He was a young civil rights advocate. In the late 60's, Alvin and two others went to the movie theater in the Old Phoebus section of Hampton, and sat downstairs, which had not previously been allowed for people of color.

He loved his church, his church members, and attending and participating in church activities at St. Christopher's. Alvin appreciated and had great respect for the Episcopal Church's stance addressing DEI and hate speech.

Most of all, Alvin loved people…...meeting, conversing, and breaking bread with friends and family.

The Russell-Deane family extends our sincere thanks to all of Alvin's friends who knew, loved, and cared for him with thoughts and prayers throughout the years. We love you all and we know Alvin loved you dearly.

Alvin was a faithful Christian. As a tribute to our cousin Alvin, from:

Revelation   Chapter 2  verse 10:

Jesus said, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life".

A memorial service will be held on July 26, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Christopher Episcopal Church, Charleston, West Virginia with Reverend C. Christoper Thompson officiating.  A private burial will be held later at St. Paul's Memorial Cemetery in Lawrenceville, Virginia.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net