Jay Russell

Jay Russell

Age 66, of Burdett, passed away December 30, 2022.

He is survived by his wife Jean; four children, Josh (Taylor) Russell of Ashville, NC, Erica Russell of New York, Morgan (Steve) Mendelsohn of Lake Placid, NY, and Brittany Predmore (Justin Bennett) of Spencer, NY; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Karen Russell of Mecklenburg, NY; eight grandchildren, Dylan, Kaden, Bentley, Kylie, Ellie, Julian, Jackson; and Brianna, his granddaughter and best friend; 3 nephews, a niece, beloved dog Hennessy, and 33 beloved Alpaca! Jay is predeceased by his parents George and Bertha Russell and his brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Ann Russell.

Jay was born December 16, 1956. He graduated from Trumansburg High School. He was a star athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to attend SUNY Oswego where he majored in Education and played baseball. Jay was a Technology Teacher at the George Junior Republic School in Freeville, teaching grades 7-12. He enjoyed teaching troubled youth and coached basketball there. He was a life member of the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company, where he served as the past Fire Chief, Rescue Captain and current President; member and Trustee of the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church; proud Alpaca farmer, National Champion breeder, and owner of Russell’s Alpaca Acres. He was also Treasurer of the Empire Alpaca Association and enjoyed work as a Ring Steward.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 14. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, 6063 Turnpike Rd, Mecklenburg, from 2pm-3pm; followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm at the church. A procession and fireman's service at the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Company or the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church.

You may leave a memory of Jay in his obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.
Arrangements with Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen.