Russell J. Stokes, 41, of County Route 36, passed away unexpectedly at Fletcher Allen hospital in Vermont. Friends and family will be received on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral services for Russell will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Phillips Memorial Home with Rev. Judith Van Kennen presiding. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Russell was born on December 31, 1972 in Spain the son of Audrey (Ware) Jones, and Wayne L. Stokes Sr.

He is survived by his son, Jesse J. of Norfolk; step-daughter Charlene Toomey of Canton; his parents, Audrey Jones of Norfolk and Wayne and Alice Stokes of Plattsburgh; a brother, Wayne L. Stokes Jr. and Mary of Canton; step brother Allan and Wendy Briggs, of FL and family and step brother Albert Plowright of Ontario Canada; step sister, Bobbie Lynn Briggs and family of SC; nieces Rebecca and David Colgan of Fort Drum; nephew Wayne L. Stokes III and niece Kristin E. Stokes both of Canton; aunts Bunney Cecot, of Massena, Terry Flynn, of Norfolk, Gerry Wilson of Bedford Indiana and Brenda Besio of Victoria, Texas.

Russell attended the First Methodist Church of Massena and was also a lay reader. Russell practiced martial arts; he enjoyed playing video games with his brother Wayne and nieces and nephew. He loved watching movies with his son. He also liked to spend time in the outdoors with his son and nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed building Lego collectables with his son and brother Wayne planning to pass them on to his son when he grew up. Russell will be greatly missed by all.

Arrangements are entrusted with the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena where online condolences may be to www.phillipsmemorial.com