Jef Chaison Russell III

Jef and I were not really close in high school, but in the last decade we shared the heavy burden of being widowers together, and our bond grew very strong. He was a fine and caring gentleman, and as I came to know him, I regreted we had not been buddies at Beaumont High. I will miss him.

My heart is heavy. The world has lost an "old" soul. Jef hired me during his tenure with the Beaumont CVB and introduced me to tourism. My background up until that point was television production. I later learned we had similar degrees (radio & tv). Jef was truly creative and had a real talent for tourism and promotions. While at the CVB he would arrange these photo scavenger hunts for the staff to some very obscure locations across Beaumont and was quite proud of the fact that his family ties went back many generations. One of my favorite memories of Jef is his good "taste". No matter where you were traveling, just ask Jef where to find a good restaurant. He really missed his calling and should have been a food critic. One year he sent me and another staff member to go check on a restaurant in Austin for an upcoming industry dinner. When we arrived to the address given (somewhere off of Lake Austin Boulevard) we found small wood frame house with knee high grass in the front yard. "Surely", we said to each other, "there must be some mistake". This place was downright scary from the street. After calling and confirming that we found the right spot, we cautiously stepped inside and had a wonderful meal. It was a great lesson in "never judge a book by its cover." Jef had a real knack for discovering the "hole in the wall" establishments. I will always remember him fondly. Blessings to his mom, Quatro, Molly & William. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vaya Con Dios my friend. You are dearly missed

I am sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and heart are with you and your family.

Kimberly Williamson

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Russell Family. We are so very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry to for the lose May God Bless.

At the loss of a loved one so special as our friend Jef, it is difficult to find the correct words, there are so many we wish to express. I have known Jef for nearly 60 years. He was a gentleman with a sweet spirit and we will miss his many qualities. I look forward to having a copy of his book 'Dearwood', which I have read many chapters of. He has left a legacy through his writings that will live on for the community and his family and his beautiful children and grand daughter. God bless Jef's family and all of you who loved and cared for him. Until we meet again...

I am so sorry to hear of Jef's passing. My sincere condolences to his family. I always looked forward to his comments on FB and his wishing me a "feliz cumpleanos" on Kay's and my birthday. It was a treat seeing him at the BHS reunion earlier in the year. What a gentleman.

Jef was a generously kind person who made everyone feel included and important. I look forward to catching up with him in Heaven. He was a really good man.
So glad I got to see him at the most recent reunion.

Our most heartfelt condolences to all of the Russell Family...

Mike & Christy Persia