James Russell "Russ" Blease, b. July 20, 1924, d. April 15, 2001. James was a former Director of JFA and husband of Anna M.9 Bills (Hannah M.8 Junkins, Albert A.7, Henry6, Joseph5, James4, Joseph3, Alexander3, Alexander2, Robert1).
Russ, one of the first Directors of the JFA, helped to guide and advise the officers of the Association for many years. Russ and Anna attended the very first JFA reunion in the rain and immediately became involved in the Association. It was reported that he had advanced prostate cancer and was hospitalized only two weeks before he passed away. His funeral was held at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Verda Beach, FL with full military honors. He is buried in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL.
Russ was a full Commander in the U.S. Navy and served in WW II and was recalled during the Korean conflict.