Jay Randall Russell

Jay Russell, age 74, of Caldwell, Idaho returned to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 30. He was born in Roosevelt, Utah as the fifth child and only son of John and Gertrude Russell. While he was young, the family moved to Kuna, Idaho and then to Boise, where he worked on the family dairy farm. After high school, an accident while riding a horse left him with a cast up to his hip, so he enrolled at Utah State University. It was there that he met his sweetheart, Shannon. After a short courtship, they were married in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple in July 1975.

They spent the first year of their marriage in Mountain View, Wyoming, before returning to Boise to partner with his dad in the dairy business. Shortly after returning to Boise, Jay and Shannon welcomed the first of their five children. Before long, the family dairy relocated to Canyon County on Chicken Dinner Road, near Marsing, Idaho, where Jay and Shannon made their home for nearly 50 years. After the dairy was sold in the 1980s, Jay began a long career as a horseshoer, building friendships with customers throughout the Treasure Valley.

During his many years in Marsing, he touched the lives of many people through his service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Among the highlights of his service were many horse-packing trips with young men to the mountains, early-morning Seminary teaching, and a two-and-a-half-year mission with Shannon serving the Navajo people. Throughout his adult life, he was recognized for his big red beard and his larger-than-life personality.

His family was the true joy and focus of his life, especially his dear wife of 51 years and his children, of whom he was immensely proud. He knew what his children were capable of and expected them to strive for excellence in their education, their character, and their personal and professional pursuits. He celebrated the successes of his children and grandchildren and was pained by their struggles and disappointments. He was grateful to meet his youngest grandchild shortly before his death.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and by three older sisters. He is survived by one older sister, Janet (Lee) Collett, his wife, Shannon, five children: John (Melanie) Russell, Caldwell, Idaho; Kristine Russell, Seattle, Washington; Katie (Jeff) Markham, Anacortes, Washington; Lisa (Rodney) Peach, Milton, Wisconsin; and Mike (Morgan) Russell, Big Timber, Montana; and twelve grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Marsing LDS chapel on Saturday, September 5, at 3:00 p.m., with a viewing at the church at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery.

Jay loved to tell stories – and gather stories from others. His family would love to receive written stories and memories of Jay to honor the legacy of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather.