J. Max Russell, Jr., 80, of Boothbay Harbor, died suddenly Jan. 19 at St. Andrews Hospital, Boothbay Harbor.
Mr. Russell was born Dec. 8, 1927, in East Orange, N.J., the son of J. Maxwell and Marybelle Martin Russell. He was a graduate of Germantown Academy, and Ricker Classical Institute with a degree in teaching.
After he graduated from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an Airman 2nd Class during WWII with the Utility Transport Squadron, Norfolk, VA.
A self-employed entrepreneur, he was a developer of many projects, including Tanglewood Resort in the Pocono Mountains, the Audubon Water Co. in Audubon, Penn., and La Reserve Resort and Ski Area in the Laurentian Mountain Range. He formerly owned the Nordic Pipe Company in Virginia and Pennsylvania, which supplied underground pipe to utility companies. In Maine, he owned several restaurants, including J.R. Maxwell s and Falcon s in Freeport, and was the developer of Western View Golf Course, Augusta.
His most cherished moments were sitting on his porch with family and friends watching sunsets, Sunday picnics at Damariscove, spending time at his camp, hunting, fishing with his sons, having a good time with family and friends, and making memories with his grandchildren.
He was a member of Fort Washington #308 A.F. & A.M. in Fort Washington, Penn. and received his 32nd degree, Supreme Council Scottish Rite, Valley of Allentown, Penn.
Mr. Russell was predeceased by a son, Mark Bruce Russell.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Mayer Russell of Boothbay Harbor and Schwenksville, Penn.; daughters, Jeannie Amirault and husband Neil of Georgetown, Brenda Jo Russell of Boothbay Harbor, and Holly Marinari and husband Daniel of Pottstown, Penn.; sons, Kim Max Russell and wife Joni of Boothbay Harbor, Joseph H. Russell and wife Jana of Boothbay Harbor, and J. Max Russell III and wife Erika of Oakland; sister, Jeanie Sawyer of St. Petersburg, Fla.; grandchildren, Mike, Kim, Stephanie, Kelly Brook, Nina, Tanner, Ashley, Chelsea, Taylor, Dani, Shain, Ashley, Max, Markus, Russell, Veronica, Ryan, Josie, and Dovelyn; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation noon-2 p.m., Tues., Jan. 22 at Simmons, Harrington and Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay, followed at 2 p.m. by a Masonic Service with the brethren of Dresden Lodge # 103, and a celebration of Mr. Russell’s life.
The family encourages memorial donations be made to the St. Andrews Hospital, P.O. Box 417, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons Harrington and Hall Funeral Home, Boothbay.
