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EMDEN-James Russell John Cross passed away at Christian Village on Dec. 22, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. He was born May 1, 1925 to John Cross and Marie Kaesebier Cross Barry. He married Ruby Klokkenga on Sept. 3, 1950 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Emden.

He is survived by his wife of Lincoln and three children, Greg (Barb) Cross of San Jose, Joyce (Larry "Moe") Westen and Jay (Christy) Cross of Emden; nine grandchildren, Jim, Jennifer, Jean Ann, Joni, Andy, Shane, JoEllen, Andrea, and Adam; six great-grandchildren, Kyle, Logan, Adysin, Dean, Madison, and Anna. His brother, Glenn Eldon (Betty) Cross of Lincoln also survives.

James Russell farmed Scully leases in Orvil and Prairie Creek Townships for 62 years. He developed a lasting friendship with Michael Scully over the years. Upon Michael’s death, his daughter, Paula, presented Russell with an eagle weathervane that flew over their farm in England. This became a proud possession for him. He also served on the Emden Grain Elevator Board of Directors and was a member of the Riverside Rod & Gun Club. Russell was known by some as a salesman at Fink Chevrolet Co. in Emden. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Emden his entire life. He participated in the Sr. Choir. He always had a song in his heart and on his lips.

Russell enjoyed working the land. He would make fun times on the farm for his grandchildren. He and Ruby enjoyed camping where he would meet and greet. He never knew a stranger.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 26 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Emden, IL. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Emden with Rev. John Schurter and Ryan Edgecombe officiating. Burial will be in Hartsburg Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Memory Unit at Christian Village or St. Peter Lutheran Church. Services have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln.