Russell Ord Shields Jr.
Russell Ord Shields Jr.
Russell Ord Shields Jr., age 82, of Bemus Point, NY, went to his permanent home in heaven on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Surrounded by the love of his family, he left this world in the comfort of his home, leaving behind a profound impact of kindness, love and laughter.
Born on May 18, 1943, in Punxsutawney, PA, Russell was the eldest son of Russell and Florence Beck Shields, Sr. A lifelong resident of Bemus Point, Russell graduated from Bemus Pt. High School in 1963, where he met the love of his life, high school sweetheart, Delaine Jean Johns. They married on June 22, 1963, and together they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith and love.
Russell was a quiet, hardworking man who dedicated his life to supporting his family. Throughout his career, he worked at Proto Tool, then as a CNC Operator for Black Stone and SKF, ultimately retiring in 2010. Russell loved working with his hands and could build or fix anything. He was also the master at finding missing items around the house.
A member of the Ellery Baptist Church, Russ and Delaine’s faith was a big part of their life. Outside of work, he found joy in raising and racing pigeons, building and flying model airplanes, escaping the cold winter months to their second home in Brooksville, Florida and spending time with his family. Russell was known as the baby whisperer of the family. Later in life, he became fascinated with flying drones.
Russell’s greatest treasures were his family. He adored his wife, Delaine, and was incredibly proud of his children Debbie (Chris) Loomis, Dawn (Mike) Johnson, Kathy (Brian) Whalen and Jeff Shields. His grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, include Amber Tibbetts, Krysta Witherspoon, Chelsey (Brandon) Eggleston, Britney (Zack) Myers, Kaleigh (Chad) Intihar, Taylor Whalen, Dylan (Annalise) Johnson, Justin Whalen, Michael (Magdalynn) Tibbetts, Hunter Shields, Kamarin Whalen, Tom Loomis, and Mason Shields. His great grandchildren – Landyn, Melani, Nola, Omelia, Maleah, Jaden, Vayda, Madison, Harper, and Ella. He is also survived by his sister Patty (Ellis) Tenenbaum, brothers Dick Shields, and Jerry (Debbie) Shields, along with many nieces and nephews.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Valerie Tibbetts and brother Dennis Shields.
A private celebration of life will be held late summer.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Powers, Present & Sixbey Funeral Home, 316 E. 5th Street, Jamestown, NY. To light a candle or to send condolences to Russell’s family, please visit www.presentsixbeyfuneral.com.