James Aaron Russ

DATELINE: KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA

James Aaron Russ

James Aaron Russ, 85, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away early in the morning of November 3, 2025 at Testa Family Hospice House. Born July 6, 1940 in Cleveland County, NC, he was the son of the late Leonard Russ and Reba Turner Russ and was also preceded in death by his son-in-law Robbie Cannon, sister Sybil MacArthur, and brother C.R. Russ. James served his country honorably as a member of the US Navy before retiring after a fulfilling career with Fiber Industries. He was an active member at Kings Mountain Baptist Church, an avid Atlanta Braves fan, and liked watching NASCAR while rooting for Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott. James was very active. He pursued running, even completing a marathon in Charlotte, and then took up hiking as a way to remain fit and enjoy the outdoors. James was a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known affectionately by all as "PawPaw James."

SURVIVORS: Wife of 36 years Sandy Whetstine Russ, of the home

Daughter: Melanie Cannon of Charlotte, NC

Grandchildren: Alex Cannon (Sydney) of Winston-Salem, NC and Madeline Cannon of Charlotte, NC

Great-granddaughter: Isabelle Cannon

James is also survived by his special nephew Kevin Whetstine of Denver, NC, nephews Noel MacArthur and Tommy MacArthur, and niece Dana Russ.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Kings Mountain Baptist Church with Reverend David Blanton officiating

VISITATION: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, prior to the service from 1:00 to 1:50 P.M. at Kings Mountain Baptist Church

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations in James's memory may be made to VIA Health Partners Founded as Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150 or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA