John Davis Russell, 82

John Davis “Squeeze” Russell, 82 passed away Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Sandpoint, Idaho. There will be no public services held per his request. The family will gather at a later date to celebrate his life. 

John was born Aug. 11, 1943 to Alexander and Mae (VanDerPas) Russell. He was the fourth of the six “Russell kids” raised on a farm north of Sandpoint. The farm is where he thrived as a child. He loved swimming and fishing in Sand Creek. While milking the cows he would yodel and squirt milk in his younger siblings faces. He loved to play pranks on his siblings and friends. His passion was hunting and fishing in Bonner County.

He graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1962 and joined the Army three days after graduation with a buddy. While in the Army, he received several marksmanship awards. 

After returning home he worked in several of the local lumber mills. He was on the first Ski Patrol at Schweitzer Ski Basin (yodeling on the ski lifts). He married Patti Dimmitt on Dec. 23, 1967, and lived in the Sunnyside area. They had two children, Michelle Booth and Chad Russell. In 1985, the family moved to Palmer, Alaska, where John worked on the North Slope operating a skidder for 10-plus years. They then returned to Sunnyside and he and Patti eventually divorced. 

Many stories surround his outgoing personality and love of hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, water and snow skiing, car shows, and Lost in the ’50s. Family and many close friends will continue for years telling tall tales of John’s antics: The motorcross from Bayview to Talache and Woodside Motor Cross events; trips with close buddies to Alaska to fish and hunt moose and bear; hiking into Wandless lake every summer to camp and fish; hunting annually at Elk camp on the High Drive with longtime friends; traveling to car shows in the area, and attending Lost in the ’50s. He was always driving his purple Challenger Hellcat to visit with friends in the area.

Every summer the Russell clan gathered where his mom lived, at the “The Farm” and later “The River.” John was a great storyteller and there were lots of laughter and stories. The four brothers would fish all day every day on the lake. He always said, “Fishin’ is the Mission.” 

He is survived by his two children, Michelle (Bill) Booth of Lebanon, Mo., and Chad (Jodi) Russell of Priest River, Idaho; grandchildren Amanda Reeves, Justin Booth, Jordann Lawrence and Ashley Heuer; numerous great-grandchildren; sister Vivian (Ken) Hooper of Sagle, Idaho; sisters-in-law Ginny, Barb and Maggie Russell; numerous nephews and nieces; several great-nephews and great-nieces; very special cousins; and a longtime girlfriend, Charmian Standish. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Bonnie Boettger; three brothers, Jim, Ross and David Russell; niece Debi Russell; nephew Ken Boettger; and brother-in-law Jim Boettger.

Family and friends are invited to sign John’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.