Lt. Jonam Russell, beloved son and brother, was killed in action serving his country in Afghanistan

Sedona AZ (August 3, 2013) – Lt. Jonam Russell, US Army, 25, formerly of Cornville, Arizona, was killed-in-action Tuesday, July 23, 2013, while serving his country in Afghanistan.

Jonam was born on January 5, 1988, in Quebec, Canada, the first child of Gilbert and Sophia Russell. He was the brother of five siblings raised by loving parents that provided them with a home schooled education and a Godly foundation by which to live his life by. With great care, he was given the name of Jonam, which means “God has been gracious”.

The family spent many hours in the outdoors playing and working hard to keep warm from the Canadian winters. Not having a television in the household, Jonam’s favorite past time was reading. He would read anything he could find, even the World Book Encyclopedia. After living fifteen years in Quebec, Canada, the family decided to relocate to the United States where the mother was originally from. At the age of 15, Jonam started taking classes at Yavapai Community College where he graduated in 2008. Jonam always had a great desire to be in the military, and one of the first things he did in the United States was join Civil Air Patrol.

In 2007, Jonam enlisted in the Arizona Army National Guard, 855th Military Police Company. He earned his commission in May of 2011 through ROTC at Arizona State University where he graduated cum laude from the W.P. Carey School of Business with a degree in Business Communication. His military training includes; Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, Air Assault School, Army Ranger School, and Airborne School. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He was deployed to the Maidan Wardak Province in Afghanistan, where he was killed while leading a dismounted patrol.

Jonam will be best remembered for his loyalty. Jonam was an inspiration to people as he showed them how to live to the upmost. Jonam did not only die for his country but he died doing what he had done his entire life, putting the people he loved ahead before his self. He was bound for greatness and he had big plans. Some of his best qualities were his selflessness, his ability to make good decisions and his strong mind and good heart. He had an unparalleled work ethic.

He is survived by his parents, Gilbert and Sophia Russell; his brothers, Nathanael and Benjamin; his sisters, Abigail, Sarah and Noemi. He is greatly loved and will be sorely missed. The family’s only comfort is knowing that their son and brother is in heaven.

Visitation will be held at the Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 East Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, Arizona, on August 4, Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., on August 5th, Monday, at the Verde Baptist Church, 102 S. Willard Street, Cottonwood, Arizona. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

Submitted by Major Luis A. Camus

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