In 1901, the Russell family were living at 39 York Place, Perth: Father, William (Railway Traffic Inspector), b. c1841, Carnwath, Lanarkshire; Mother, Nancy G., b. c1842, Abbington, Lanarkshire; Daughter, Christina R. (Fruiterer & Florist), b. c1871, Stirling; Daughter, Maggie McM. (Fruiterer & Florist), b. c1873, Perth; and Son, James G. (Art Pupil Teacher), b. 1882, Perth. James Russell was married to Norah, the daughter of Mr Robert Dunsmore, Perth, and the brother-in-law of Mr James Beveridge, sculptor. They married in Dunfermline in 1913 and had one son, William Galloway Russell. Norah never re-married, she died in Newport-on-Tay in 1972. James and Norah's son, William, died in Dundee in 1979. In 1922 an inventory of James' effects was presented to Cupar Sherriff Court by his widow, who was then living at Venturefair Avenue, Dunfermline.

James Russell, was originally a Lance-Corporal with the Royal Scots (Reg. No. 29542). He was commissioned on 24th October 1916, and first went to France on 3rd December 1916.

Dunfermline Press & West of Fife Advertiser, May 19th 1917

“Second Lieutenant J. Galloway Russell, Royal Scots, has been officially reported killed in action. A son of Mr William Russell, late Inspector Caledonian Railway, Perth."

“Lieutenant Russell had been engaged for several years as a drawing master in Dunfermline under the Joint Education Committee of the School Board and Carnegie Trustees. By the members of these bodies his services in the schools of Dunfermline were greatly appreciated, and his efforts to improve the artistic attainments of the youth of the city bore excellent fruit."

“He was enthusiastic in his work, and spared no pains to inculcate the artistic temperament in his pupils, who held him in the highest esteem."

“Lieutenant Russell enlisted as a Private, and he quickly rose in the ranks."

“He leaves a widow to mourn his loss.”

At the time of his death James Russell was 34 years old. James Russell is also commemorated on the Dunfermline War Memorial.