Russell 'Russ' S. James 1926-2026

By Paso Robles Press · Thu May 28 2026

Russell 'Russ' Solon James passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on April 7, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by family and close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Pavilion at Atascadero Lake in Atascadero.

Born June 3, 1926, in Plainview, TX, Russ left high school at age 17 to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Trained as a Radioman, he later volunteered for the Amphibious Forces, serving in the South Pacific, where he survived malaria and two devastating typhoons, causing the loss of his ship and fellow crewmates. While stationed in Hawaii at the close of the war, Russ was among the servicemen ordered aboard the USS Missouri and witnessed the historic signing of Japan’s Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

In 1947, Russ married Ruby “Toni” Marie Berger, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 66 years. After graduating from the Don Martin School of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences in Hollywood, he worked as a radio announcer at KVEC in San Luis Obispo and later helped develop cable television systems throughout the county. A dedicated provider, Russ worked many jobs over the years before finding great joy driving special-needs students for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, retiring in 1993 after more than two decades of service.

For 27 years, Russ also served as Publicity Director for the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, CA, where he was known for his enthusiasm, creativity, and gift for promotion. He was instrumental in helping bring many popular entertainers to the Central Coast, contributing to the fair’s growth into one of California’s premier community events.

A man of deep Christian faith, Russ faithfully shared his love for Jesus, prayer, and Scripture throughout his life. In later years, he devoted himself to encouraging, discipling, and mentoring others in their walk with Christ. Friends and family remember his home as a place of laughter, hospitality, wise counsel, and unwavering faith.

Russ was preceded in death by his beloved wife Toni, son-in-law Mick Isbell, and granddaughter Erin Skow. He is survived by his children, Kathy Haahr, Peg Isbell, Mariglee Ekins, Larry James, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.