James "Jim" Russell Hull

James Russell Hull, affectionately known as Jim, was born on January 20, 1947, in Quincy, Illinois. He departed this life on February 6, 2025, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi; leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and community involvement.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Jim served honorably for eight years, a testament to his commitment to his country. During the eight years of U.S. Air Force service which four years was in Germany. While in Germany, Jim toured Europe. In 1970, Jim met the love of his life, Darlous Walmsley which after a period of time they married on March 20, 1971. Upon life journey as husband and wife after marriage, they went to Washington State with the United States Air Force. A remote tour United States Air Force assignment to Alaska was assigned to Jim upon completion of assignment in Washington State. The last and final U.S. Air Force assignment for Jim during eight years military service was to finish at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi where Jim received Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Air Force. Upon completion of United States Air Force Service, Jim got a Civil Service Job at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he acquired the nickname, Peanut. Jim dedicated 21 years of his professional life as an Electronics Repairman at Keesler Air Force Base, where he gained the respect of colleagues and the community alike. Upon retirement from his Civil Service Job at Keesler Air Force Base, Jim went to work for Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi, MS, for five years as a Hospital Courier. Prior to his official retirement in life, he made meaningful contributions to the education sector, working as a janitor within the school systems of Gulfport, Mississippi and Long Beach, Mississippi.

Jim was a proud graduate of Quincy Senior High School in 1965, in Quincy, Illinois, followed by studies at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport, MS. His educational journey was a remarkable reflective of his desire to better himself and serve those around him.

In his personal life, Jim expressed a deep love for dogs and found joy in leisure activities such as playing pool at the Woolmarket Mississippi Senior Center and engaging in bingo games at both the Woolmarket and Saucier Mississippi Senior Centers. His passion for travel took him to various states, with a memorable trip to Hawaii in 2002, which he enjoyed with his beloved mother-in-law Norma Walmsley (which she won the trip in a Sweepstakes through the Clorox Bleach Company). 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Darlous Walmsley Hull, of Gulfport, Mississippi; his son, Matthew Hull, of Gulfport, Mississippi; his dog, Topper, of Gulfport, Mississippi; his brother, Terry Hull and wife Janice, of Columbia, Missouri; and his sister-in-law, Sue Hull, of Quincy, Illinois. He is also remembered fondly by his cousins, nieces, and nephews, Kathy Hull Boll, Theresa Hull Huddleston, Suzi Hull Lacich, Chris Hull, Zachary Hull, Erin Hull, Tommy Hull, Stephen Hull and Don Kirsch; as well as other relatives who may have been unintentionally overlooked but not forgotten during the compilation of Jim’s obituary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Nadine Kirsch Hull (December 1970) and Russell Fredrick Hull (May 1972); his brother, Stephen K. Hull (January 2024); along with his father-in-law, Vinton Lloyd Walmsley (October 2000) and his mother-in-law, Norma Jean Walmsley (November 2011); as well as his cherished dogs from years past which include Taffy, Ginger, Crystal, Chico, Lady, Dutch, and Rocky.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., both held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, located at 11322 W Taylor Road, Gulfport, MS. A graveside service will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

James Russell Hull's memory will forever resonate with those who knew him, characterized by his unwavering spirit and profound love for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of South Mississippi; or please plant a tree in Jim’s memory.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com