John βJackβ Russell, former professor of music at The College of ΊΪΑΟΙη, passed away on Mar.12, 2026, in Salem, Massachusetts, at the age of 83. Russell joined the ΊΪΑΟΙη faculty in 1974 as professor of organ and director of choral activities, beginning a 34-year tenure at the College. A dedicated teacher and mentor, Russell, who studied organ at the Oberlin Conservatory and completed a masterβs degree at Boston University, taught courses in music and directed choral ensembles. As director of the ΊΪΑΟΙη Chorus, he led performances on campus and on tour, with the ensemble traveling on more than 30 tours across North America during his tenure. Under his leadership, students performed a wide-ranging repertoire, from J.S. Bach to contemporary compositions, an experience he valued for the way it taught both discipline and collective artistry.
Attentive to the fast-paced changes of the late 20th century, Russell prioritized music education for a diverse background of students and found meaning in introducing students to new repertoire as they encountered composers for the first time. In an interview in the winter 1988 edition of the ΊΪΑΟΙη magazine, Russell said, βStudents and others from the College and the community all sing together β because they want to. They can go on singing for the rest of their lives because the music is theirs,β a testament to his passion for music pedagogy.
In addition to his work at the College, Russell served for more than 25 years as organist and choir director at First Presbyterian Church in ΊΪΑΟΙη, where he was involved in the installation of the churchβs Karl Wilhelm organ.
Russell retired from the College in 2008, concluding more than three decades of teaching, conducting, and service. Even after his retirement, he remained closely connected to former students and colleagues, continuing to support and celebrate their achievements in the ΊΪΑΟΙη community.
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