July 30, 1915 ~ August 18, 2011

James Russell Stroud, 96, of Buda passed away Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at Morning Star Village in Rockford, where he had resided since October 2010. Russell was born July 30, 1915, in rural Sheffield to James Milas Stroud and Erna Hansen Stroud. He married Carolyn Olson on June 9, 1934. She preceded him in death on Jan. 29, 2001. Russell dedicated himself to farming throughout his life in the Wyanet-Buda area. Russell was also active in the local Bureau County community. He was a charter member of the Princeton Elks Lodge, a board member of the Hopeland Cemetery Association, the Bank of Sheffield and the Bureau County Zoning Board. Russell was also associated with the Bureau County ASCS office for many years. He attended the Buda Methodist Church and most recently the First United Church of Christ in Sheffield. Russell is survived by two daughters, Bonnie (Nick) Kretsos of Beloit, Wis., and Donna (Cliff) Gillette of Rockford; two grandchildren, Erin (Craig) Jagels of Avon Lake, Ohio, and Christopher Gillette of Rockford; and two great-grandchildren, Arthur Jacob Jagels and Grace Mary Jagels. He is also survived by two sisters, Mildred Schuneman of Manlius and Dorothy (Calvin) Schuneman of Prophetstown; two sisters-in-law, Connie Lafferty of Princeton and Trudie Olson of Coal Valley; a special cousin, Rebecca (Ralph) Rediger; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Esther Winslow. In addition to his wife, Russell was preceded in death by his parents; one son, James Burton; and a sister, Gladys Moore. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the First United Church of Christ in Sheffield with the Rev. Jane Courtright officiating. An hour of visitation will precede the service with burial following the service at Hopeland Cemetery, Buda. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of America, 3815 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114; the First United Church of Christ in Sheffield; or Hopeland Cemetery in Buda. A special thank you is expressed by the family to the dedicated and caring staff of Morning Star Village and to Julie Brock of Hospice Care of America for her support and care.