I recently lost an amazing friend, Russ Jones.
Russ was the best man at my wedding, a mentor for my career who always encouraged and believed in me, an inspiration and role model as a husband and father, the friend I knew would always be there if I needed (and was in many times when I felt I had nobody), and a confidant I could easily entrust with my most personal secrets…
When I first met Russ, I was quickly amazed by his quick wit, deep intellect, clever and creative approach to all things, his compassion for others, his unquenchable thirst for Diet Coke… and one of the most impactful impressions.. his love for Morgan.
- At first it was “subtle” things, like witnessing the the way he was always available to her as his first priority, even when we were on a tight schedule. When traveling, speaking, entertaining clients, etc, it seemed so effortless for him to drop everything for 30 minutes to talk with her throughout the day and make sure he always called to say goodnight (and good morning) and tell her how much he loved her.
- He always had the most thoughtful gifts for her.. I remember him spending hours upon hours digitally recreating a family cookbook for a surprise… I remember a trip where we spent hours and hours over several days combing shops to find a gift, and how excited he was when he found the perfect one, a beautiful locket. I want to think it was for their dating anniversary, a special day which he celebrated religiously.
- There were many less subtle things…I think everyone knew Russ wanted to give Morgan the world… and he did, with Claren, Aven, and Ellis.. three incredibly smart and beautiful girls that he adored endlessly.
I can still feel the excitement he had when he shared with me that he was going to be a father. I watched him daily for years as he eagerly refreshed the page waiting to see pictures of the girls being posted by their teachers throughout the day. He always put family first, it was non-negotiable with no room for any debate.. which for Russ was a big deal, as he was always up for a debate.
I will always cherish the time spent discussing politics and philosophy with Russ. He believed in the good of humanity… that we should all hold ourselves accountable to our responsibility to be generous and care for the plight of others and to create equal opportunity for everyone.
It wasn’t just a belief he discussed over a great meal or a thoroughly researched bottle of amazing scotch… His philosophies were part of his identity and he practiced this in his daily life, constantly helping others, raising awareness, and advocating for respect and compassion. He would cover his eyes during certain movie scenes, not because he was too modest, but because he didn’t approve of the objectification, and this was his protest… one of his many amazing character traits that I would come to revere.
I’m grateful for the time I was able to share with Russ. My only regret is not spending more time watching him with the girls, as I’m certain it would have made me a better father to my own children, and it would have given me so many more wonderful memories to cherish and stories that I could share with his girls.
I think about a story he shared when the girls were being ‘too’ competitive with each other, and his efforts encouraging them to find joy in celebrating each other’s wins. It was important to him that we embrace the mentality that our victories are never won alone, our success is the byproduct of all our experiences and the love we receive from those around us, and that regardless of any differences we are all God’s children.
In every story shared, it is clear that with everyone Russ left a permanent impression… always marked with generosity and comfort, humor and challenged perspectives, and an unquestionable love for his family.
You will be sorely missed my friend, may you rest in peace.
You can find information about his memorial service, share stories that will be preserved for the family, and give support for the girls at https://RememberingRussJones.com
