James Russel Jennings

James Russel Jennings, formerly of Austin, Texas, passed away at the age of 96 on October 20,2024 in Angleton, Texas.

Born on July 2, 1928, in New Sweden, Texas to his parents Joseph Burcus and Effie Mae Jennings, he was one of ten children.

Russel dedicated his life to serving his country in the United States Military, with a distinguished 32-year career in both the Navy and Army, where he served in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded a Purple Heart and achieved the distinguished rank of Sergeant Major (E9). Retiring from military service, he would continue to serve veterans in his role with the VA for fifteen years. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Lodge.

He met the love of his life at a high school football game, where as a beautiful majorette, she caught his attention and captured his heart, and he went on to spend the next 68 wonderful years happily married to his sweetheart. Together they spent a lifetime building their greatest treasure and what he was most proud of- his family.

He embodied and exemplified “family man” in every sense of the word.

To know him was to love him.

He had a magnetic presence, a loving and sentimental spirit, with a personality and smile that would always light up the room.

He was a natural with people, a gifted communicator and captivating storyteller, with an innate charisma and ability to draw people in with ease.

Affectionately known as “ honey”, a loving husband, dad, papa , great grandfather, Russel, Jim and Sergeant Major- he had debonair good looks, was funny, smart, and an impeccable dresser.

He had a huge and generous heart as evidenced by the numerous lives he touched and how much he genuinely meant to so many.

He was truly one of the most remarkable human beings.

Today while we grieve the earthly loss of our family patriarch, leader, and hero, we celebrate a beautiful life well-lived of a man we were blessed to know, blessed to love, and blessed to have loved us.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and a joy for life that lives on in all of us.

He loved God. He loved his country. He loved his family and friends.

Till we meet again, we take comfort and joy in knowing he’s having the time of his life with the love of his life, as heaven gains another angel. We can just imagine his reunion with sweet Ninny greeting him with open arms, “Hi honey. Only you’d be a little late to heaven on our anniversary.” With his charismatic grin, “yeah.. but just look at us. “

Russel is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Ronnie & Peggy Jennings, daughter and son-in-law Jamie & Patrick Fuchs, and son-in-law James Jennings, along with seven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Jennings, his daughter Tammy Jennings, his parents, and nine siblings (two sisters and seven brothers).

A funeral service to celebrate Russel’s life will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 3:00 pm. at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until service time. Burial will be on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 10:00 am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.