Dr. Russell William James

Dr. Russell Williams James passed away suddenly at The Stratford in Carmel, IN on Friday, January 24th, 2025. He was 93 years old.

Russ was born on June 13th, 1931, to the (late) Mayme Elisabeth Raber James and William Porter James of Evansville, IN, where he grew up and graduated from Reitz High School. He attended the University of Evansville for two years before matriculating to the Indiana University School of Dentistry, from which he graduated in 1956. Upon graduation, Dr. James served the US Army in Korea, then returned to open his dental practice in Indianapolis and saw patients for 34 years.

Throughout his life, Russ, an avid healthy eater, athlete and sports fan, had an especial passion for golf. He was a 56-year member of Highland Golf & Country Club in Indianapolis, always relentless in the elusive pursuit of perfection. He was the Senior Club Champion in 1990 and the Low Net Champion just a year and a half ago. Highland professionals said that even in his 80s and 90s, ‘Doc had the most impressive golf swing I’ve ever seen – truly unbelievable!’ Russ played in 54 consecutive Opening and Closing Day events and was ‘always carrying his own clubs from his car to the range, never allowing anyone to carry them for him.’

A lifelong bachelor, Dr. James traveled the world, often to golf with friends. He was a great lover of jazz, and dedicated gym member at the Monon Community Center, working out several times a week as recently as fall of 2023.

He is survived by friends from all facets of his life, and by his nieces Jill (Niehaus) Miner and Chris (Niehaus) Roberts, and their spouses Dr. David Miner and Phil Roberts. He was the beloved great uncle of the six Miner and Roberts children, and great-great uncle to their four children.

A celebration of Russ’ life will be held Sunday, Feb. 2nd at Highland Golf &Country Club from 3:30-5:30, where friends are invited to raise a glass to his long life, well lived at 5pm.

The family is planning a private burial service later in the year, and Dr. James will be laid to rest in Evansville next to his parents, sister and maternal grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Russ’ memory to a charity or non-profit of your choosing.