Russell Family Code of Service Continues

A Navy Admiral's death in 1996 carries long after.

James Sargent Russell was born on March 22, 1903. He attended DeKoven Hall School, a private school in Lakewood that later became the DeKoven Inn and later the DeKoven Apartments. His parents were Janet (Sargent) Russell and the noted architect Ambrose J. Russell who designed the Washington Governor's Mansion, Tacoma's Temple Theater, the Rust (now Commerce) Building and the Perkins Building.

His Navy career transitioned sea battles in naval operations to coordinating multi-force assaults. His service during World War II meant combat missions in the Aleutian Island where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Legion of Merit.

A noted sail boater around American Lake, Russell later became a merchant marine before studying at the United States Naval Academy before starting his career in the Navy in 1926. That career would span the use of biplanes and atom bombs.

He later served as Chief of Staff to the Commander of Carrier Division 2; part of the Fast Carrier Task Force, where he was later awarded a Gold Star.

After the war, he commanded an escort carrier before reporting for duty at the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, where he commanded the commission's task group on "Operation Sandstone," the atomic bomb tests of 1948. He received yet another Gold Star for his service there.

Then came service aboard the aircraft carrier Coral Sea and at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he served as Head of the Military Requirements and New Development Branch, Air Warfare Division. He became the Director of the Air Warfare Division in 1953 and was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

He was honored for his work in developing the Vought F-8 Crusader supersonic fighter two years later.

Russell later served as Deputy Commander of the Atlantic Fleet before being appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations with a promotion to the four-star rank of Admiral. He went on from there to be the Commander of NATO's Allied Forces Southern Europe before retiring in 1965.

"My great-great grandfather was a leading Scottish missionary in India and other parts of the world," said Malcolm Russell who is currently the board president of Let's Keep Lakewood Beautiful, chairman of the Pierce County Planning Commission and member of the Lakewood Public Safety Advisory Committee. "My grandfather inspired my involvement in politics and public service to the community."