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Say "Yes" Today
February 13, 1987 - January 14, 2018
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"Jay was loved by his family and friends. Jay was a good person who loved his family, Jessica Howard, his friends and Circa Survive. He left us void."

Jay Steven Russell was born Friday February 13,1987  in Inglewood California’s Centinela Hospital.  He graduated from Northview High School in Duluth, Georgia May 2005 where he lettered in football and in December of 2009 he obtained a dual degree in Politics and Sociology from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. He also ran cross-country for his Alma Mater. He worked for the U.S Department of the Treasury as a Tax Examiner. On Sunday January 14, 2018 he departed this life in a way you would hope to, he was with the love of his life and he quietly slipped away without pain. He was healthy, athletic, and happy; his big strong heart simply stopped beating. We are told sometimes that just happens.

Jay was loved by his family and friends; In turn Jay was a good person who loved his family, Jessica Howard and his friends. Jay loved life, he loved and respected animals, the Arts, the environment, and Circa Survive. Jay was a writer and a critic; he had a lot to share for his short years on this Earth.

He was bigger than life in stature and presence.

Left to carry his memory in their hearts are his immediate family; father and mother Wes and Eileen; his big brother Carlton; his sister-in-law Destini; his niece Addison; his nephew Kai; aunts and uncles by blood and contact,  notably Anna of Nevada and  Arthur and Al of Southern California, “Aunties” Kim and Denise also of Southern California; His lady, his love Jessica Howard; his “grandmother” Momma Daisy  and his godmother Yvette. Additionally his cousins, a hosts of “other” family members, friends, colleagues and co-workers.

If you look too closely at a star it’s beauty can blind you, Jay’s light will FOREVER shine within us.

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Celebrate the Life of
Jay Russell

I remember this time last year, for your birthday, you convinced me to get a nose ring.I miss you. My daring, adventure seeking friend.

Kendra Brown Feb 12 2018

Although I never met Jay, I can only feel a sadness at the loss of such a happy and loving soul. Through his Mother, Eileen I knew of Jay and the love he had for life and people and the love his family has for him. When I see his pictures I am reminded of my own son and can only imagine the feeling of such a great loss. I admire how Jay’s family has chosen to celebrate Jay and to appreciate the time that was given to share with him. I hope if and when I face a loss I can be so brave and selfless. Much love and hugs to the family and my great friend Eileen!

Anita Feb 04 2018

My crazy cool nephew… Man I can still remember that Friday you were born. I pretended to be sick, just so I could be at home for your arrival. Then your 1st word was “ea-ta” how appropriate, because you loved food at an early age. On Saturday’s, I would sit on the floor to watch tv and to play with you. But oh, you took it to another level. You would moved the chair, so you would have a clear path, run full speed????? and hit me like a football player, recalling a time or two I saw stars?. You grew up so fast, literally before my eyes! Your intelligent quick wit, cracked me up. Jay, you will FOREVER have a place Auntie Bontie’s heart?. I love you my dude ??

Anna Cates Jan 29 2018

Jay Russell, Man, you were good people. I’ll cherish our time at AMC man. You were a great friend and an absolutely LEGENDARY co worker. Remember when you came in to quit, dropped your bag off in the elevator, and dipped: Like. A. Boss. We talked about that for months. Heaven gained an angel. You’ll truly be missed bro. Watch over us

John Bonds Jan 29 2018

Always in our hearts Always on our minds. Loved for All Eternity Mom and Dad

Eileen Russell Jan 28 2018

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