In Loving Memory of... Jack Borter Russell (May 25, 1940 – Feb. 27, 2016)

Jack Borter Russell, 75, of Colton, passed away from a massive stroke on Feb. 27, 2016 at his home in Reche Canyon surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Glendale, CA on May 25, 1940 to his parents, Clifton and Elayne Russell. Jack grew up in San Bernardino, Lake Arrowhead and Idyllwild. He graduated from Redlands University with a major in Economics and helped found the University radio station, KDAWG. He earned his teaching credential and taught elementary school in Colton Joint Unified School District, where he met his first wife, Linda Wilke. They married and had 3 children, Nicole, Mark and Annette. Linda passed in 1986 and Jack married again in 1987 to his wife Kerry, who survives him. Jack taught for 5 years, including a year in Alaska in 1970. After Alaska, he moved back to Colton and started Russell, Jones & Russell (RJR Industrial Properties) with his father, Clifton, and business partner, John Jones, which is still in business today. Jack was a member of the Colton Chamber of Commerce for many years, and was board director from 1986-1989. Jack was also a long time and active member of the Colton Rotary Club up until his passing, and president 1983-1984. Jack enjoyed photography and videography, starting ET Video in the 1980s as a part time business for about 20 years. Jack was on the Colton Joint Unified School District Board Oversight Committee from 2007 up until his passing. He had a passion for Habitat for Humanity, serving on the board of the San Bernardino chapter and was board president in 2014. When Jack was in college, he began regularly donating blood, becoming part of the “Ten Gallon Club”, eventually reaching 12 gallons. He was an active church attendee, first with Highgrove United Methodist Church, then at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Redlands. Jack was also an avid train enthusiast. Jack is survived by his wife, Kerry Russell, his 3 children and their spouses, and 5 grandchildren: daughter, Nicole Felix; son-in-law, Brian Felix; grandchildren, Nathan and Linda Felix; his son, Mark Russell; daughter-in-law, Sherri Russell; grandchildren, Ava, Emma and Joshua Russell; and daughter, Annette Russell. The memorial service will be held on April 2 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 1551 Reservoir Road, Redlands, CA 92374. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Rotary International or a blood donation in his name. The family would like to thank the many friends that showed such an outpouring of love and support with help, prayers, and messages of encouragement during Jack’s month-long illness and following his passing.