James Russell Kaufman

July 18, 1940 - December 24, 2020

James Russell Kaufman, 80, a resident of Fort Myers, FL since June 2018, formerly of Pembroke Pines, FL, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 in Fort Myers. He was born July 18, 1940 in Fayetteville, NC to Hyman and Margaret Kaufman, now deceased.

James was of the Messianic Jewish faith and served in the United States Marines. He served three tours in Vietnam 1966 – 1972.  He later became a mail carrier for 20 years and finished his career as a U.S. Army Reserves “Staff Sergeant & Drill Instructor from 1991 – 1997.   He loved unconditionally and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. 

His favorite bible scripture was:  Psalms 116:15 – Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  He loved the Lord very much as well as his precious cats.  Taking excellent care of each one… “Molly was his favorite”.

Jim rode his Harley with many veterans. And to all who knew Jim, who rode their bikes with him, and those who didn’t ride, are most welcome to attend the service.

He is survived by four loving children, Traci Fraley (Brett) of WV, Cherie Kaufman of WV, David “Ice Cream Dave” Ross of Fort Myers Beach, FL, and Terry Smith (Michael) of Silver Springs, MD; brother, Dennis Kaufman of Bridgeville, PA; seven grandchildren; as well as one great grandchild.

Committal Services will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor Edyth Kaufman in 2019; as well as his brother, Joseph Kaufman.

Memorial Contributions in memory of James Russell Kaufman are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Kathy Brafford Dec 31, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    Russ, as we called him growing up, was a perfect “big brother” cousin to this pesky girl cousin! He was named after my daddy,James,his mom’s brother. It was a shock when i was notified of his passing, but I know he is reunited with a lot of people now,including my daddy and his mom. Rest in Peace my big brother cousin. Love you!

  2. Terry Smith Dec 31, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    I will always and forever remember you Dad. A daughter couldn’t ask for a better father than you. I am more than blessed to have known you and be loved by you.

  3. Terry “Ikadoo” Smith Dec 31, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    I will always and forever remember you Dad. A daughter couldn’t have asked for a better father than you. I am more than blessed to have known you and to be loved by you.

  4. Carl Fulton Dec 31, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    Uncle Jim as we called him will be missed, but we will see him again in heaven. He is now with his Lord and Savior, his wife Aunt Elli, and my dad Ronnie Fulton. Uncle Jim was a wonderful friend and fellow brother in arms. Semper Fidelis

  5. David better known as lce Cream dave Jan 3, 2021 at 5:59 pm

    Dad, and I rode our bikes when we could. I’ll miss him telling me to slow down. But I remember dad gettin off the line a bit quick too at times.
    Maybe we’ll ride again on streets of gold.

  6. David & Jill Cofer Jan 4, 2021 at 7:46 am

    So sorry for your loss, Dave. You know your dad is now with the Lord and your mom. We’ love you.

  7. David & Jill Cofer Jan 4, 2021 at 7:49 am

    So sorry for your loss, Dave. You know your dad is now with the Lord and your mom. We love you.

  8. Will Dalbora Jan 4, 2021 at 7:53 am

    My sincere condolences

  9. Antonette Dobbs Jan 4, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    I did not know Mr. Kaufman what I was told about him by his son Dave which is known as ice cream Dave. That he was a very gentle person and just loved our brother Yahshua and our father Yahweh heaven. And Now he is home where he belongs in the kingdom of God and with his beloved wife. Rest in peace

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