James D. Russell; Story Teller, Author and Historian

"One of life's greatest undisturbed joys is the comforting fact of knowing that you are welcome, respected, loved and wanted in any 24 hour day"
James D. Russell
1997

James Daniel Russell, Born in April of 1921, Russell a retired postal worker, World War ll Veteran and great grandson of Caroline Terry Russell, is a native of Rappahannock County, Virginia. At the sprite, young age of 88, he looks back on a life of growing up in the village of Sperryville, where he attended a one room "colored" schoolhouse during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression of the 1930's. His memories span the days from his most memorable meeting with the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. A story teller by nature and an accomplished Author, Russell has published three books to date and has several more in the works. His books can be purchased directly through the Author James D. Russell Publications or on Amazon.com

Mr. Russell is currently scheduling dates for lectures, book signings, and story telling sessions, and visits to "Pleasant Valley Acres", the museum and miniature railroad are strictly by appointments only.

The Resting Rock
Ghosts, Memories and Folk Tales
The Resting Rock, develops the view of the author that at the end of our daily labors we seek sanctuary where the challenges, cares and successes of the day can be reflected upon and then dismissed. Whether we retire from day labor, workshop, studio, office, boardroom or classroom to the big chair, with shoes off, we seek a final release of the day's emotions and a pause from the too often hectic pace of our lives.

Here we can momentarily step out of our reality and share stories of humor, tragedy, drama and courage contained in this little book, which may then lie open on the arm of the big chair, our own personal resting rock, as Morpheus comes to spirit us off into slumber.

Beyond The Rim
From Slavery to Redemption in Rappahannock County Virginia

A unique work of black history, telling the
true story of "sis-tah Cah-line "Terry, who toiled as a slave on the plantations of Rappahannock County, Virginia. She witnessed the civil war, bore children of a white slave master, and endured to live to the age of 108 in 20th Century America. This is a lovely tale told by her great-grandson, who as a child heard her first hand stories of slavery days from this feisty women who never gave up her thirst for independence and dignity.

Felicia (1840-1915)
A plantation saga of beauty, betrayal, bondage and battle and how one women comes to terms with the civil war.

Mr. Russell still resides in Sperryville Virginia less then a mile from the house he was born in and continues to write, entertain and educate his community with tales of his lifetime. He continues his work to manifest his life long vision and ongoing dream of establishing "Helping Hands; The Octagon" which with the assistance of sales from his books and fund-raising efforts, the design and construction of a community center and museum on his own Pleasant View Acres where The Guy called Russell can be found giving demonstrations of a miniature model railroad line 260 feet in length that is constructed on the grounds for all to enjoy.

Passing Thought

I am now one who is old of years
Hardened by life's adversities, but weaned of tears
Facing the inevitable with faith at my side
Asking God to forgive those who tried.

Franklin D. asked many, many years ago
"how much time is left, before I go?"
"your work, Sir is almost done
The last of the great battles have been won."

The good man passed on April 12, nineteen forty-five
Few in number of his group are yet alive
Similar thoughts are near the same
What shall we do with the days that remain.

Personally I greet each day as opportunities anew
To tackle new adventures, others just renew
I, too, think of the time left to spend
Before I begin the journey without end.

James D. Russell
March 11, 2006