James W. Russo, 71, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, while surrounded by his loved ones.   He leaves his wife of 42 years, Terri (Frieswyk) Russo, a son Joseph Russo and his girlfriend Shawna O'Dowd, of Linwood; two daughters: Elizabeth Russo and her fiancé Terrell Haynes, and Aimee Russo and her husband Sean Hansen, all of Whitinsville; and two grandsons, James and Benjamin Hansen.  In addition, he leaves his twin brother, John Russo and his wife Kristina, of Shrewsbury and a sister Jennifer Russo and her husband Michael Sereti, of Boylston, and several nieces and nephews.

A son of Joseph "Billy" and Dolores “Dolly” (Capuano) Russo, Jim was born September 4, 1954, in Worcester and grew up in Shrewsbury. A talented musician from an early age, after high school Jim and his brother attended Berklee College of Music together.  At Berklee Jim studied Music Education as well as Composition and Arranging.

As a locally well-known professional musician, Jim played tenor saxophone in area gigs with his brother in the Russo Brothers Jazz Quintet (RBJQ). He also had long career as a beloved music teacher in the Northbridge Public Schools. Although his passion was teaching band and instrumental music, Jim also taught general music and chorus at every grade level during his career and gave private saxophone and flute lessons before retiring in 2012.

Family was the center of Jim's life. Being with his family brought him the greatest joy. He adored his children and grandchildren, especially vacationing to Cape Cod and spending time in the garden with them. He loved fishing, whether at the Cape Cod Canal, Blackstone River, or any spot where fish could be found.

The Russo family would like to thank the care team at the UMASS Cancer Center and the staff at AdviniaCare Northbridge for their compassionate care and support.

Calling Hours at Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville, are Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 2-5PM.  Jim's Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM, Monday, March 9, at Saint Patrick's Church, Cross St, Whitinsville, where Jim was a long-time parishioner and former CCD teacher.  Burial will follow in Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Providence Road, Whitinsville.