Gordon Russ

It is with immense sadness that we announce that James Gordon Russ, 87, passed away on March 5th, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

Gordon was born on July 15th, 1935 in Winter Garden, FL, to James and Geneva Russ.
Gordon graduated from Lakeview High School in 1953 and later attended Gordon Military College from 1953-1954. He went on to earn a degree in education from Florida State University in 1957, and later earned a master's degree from Florida State University in 1959. He started his career as a science teacher at Evans Junior High School, where he served as the Science Department Chairman for 5 years. He also coached the Junior Varsity Baseball Team for 5 years while at Evans. Gordon then went on to serve as the Science Department Chairman at Meadowbrook Junior High School when it opened in 1968, serving in this role for his entire 21 year tenure at Meadowbrook. Altogether, he taught for 30 years before retiring. While also teaching, Gordon worked part-time at Walt Disney World for 12 years, and then became a full-time Disney cast member subsequent to his retirement from teaching.

Gordon also served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, as a Second Lieutenant and subsequently at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. He then served a total of seven and a half years in the United States Army Reserve.

Gordon is survived by Gail Kasmir-Russ - wife, Sarah Russ - daughter, Sally Russ - daughter, Cody (Kamal) Amin - granddaughter, Hannah (Quinn) Marvin - granddaughter, Kian Amin (great-grandson), Arya Amin (great-granddaughter), Lori Phillips - niece, and Larry Phillips - nephew. Gordon is also survived by his former wife, Maribell Woodard (mother of Steve and Sally Russ).

Gordon is preceded in death by Steve Russ - son, Jane Phillips - sister, James Russ - father, and Geneva Russ - mother.

A visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home. A funeral service for Gordon Russ will be held at 12:00 PM with intent to immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery.