Bernard James "BJ" Russell, 94, of Panama City, FL passed away on Friday June 8, 2018. He was born on May 4, 1924 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Elsie May Granger and Bernard John Russell. He attended high school at Gulf Coast Military Academy and Admiral Billard Academy. He went on to study at Emory College and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He served as an Officer in the United States Navy during the end of World War II and the Korean War. He retired after 32 years as an engineer with the International Paper Company. He was a member of the St. Andrews Yacht Club and First United Methodist Church. He had a love for sailing. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Creighton and one son, Bernard Creighton Russell. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Lowrey Russell; three children, Karen Russell McNeil, James Rolfe Russell (Cathy), John Granger Russell, two step children, James Wells Lowrey IV and Rebecca Lowrey, seven grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Monday June 11, 2018 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Rascoe officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10-11 am prior to the service.   Honorary pallbearers will be the Emory Ray Sunday School class.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 248, Panama City, FL 32402 or to the charity of your choice in memory of BJ Russell.