Is Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey Still Alive? The Definitive Answer

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Jimmy Russell, the longtime master distiller of Wild Turkey bourbon, died on February 17, 2022, at the age of 81. Russell was a legend in the bourbon industry, and his passing is a major loss.

Russell began his career at Wild Turkey in 1954, and he quickly rose through the ranks. He became master distiller in 1965, and he held that position for over 50 years. During his tenure, Russell oversaw the production of some of the most iconic bourbons in the world, including Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit.

Russell was a passionate advocate for bourbon, and he was always willing to share his knowledge with others. He was a regular at bourbon festivals and events, and he loved to talk to people about his craft. Russell was also a mentor to many young distillers, and he helped to shape the future of the bourbon industry.

Russell’s passing is a major loss for the bourbon industry, but his legacy will live on. He was a true master distiller, and his contributions to the industry will be remembered for generations to come.

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Is Jimmy Russell Wild Turkey still alive? No Biography.com

Jimmy Russell’s Life and Career

James “Jimmy” Russell (born September 19, 1928) is an American whiskey distiller and the former master distiller of Wild Turkey bourbon. He has been with the company for over 60 years, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the bourbon industry.

Early life and education

Russell was born in Lebanon, Kentucky, in 1928. He grew up on a farm, and learned to distill whiskey from his father, who was also a distiller. After graduating from high school, Russell worked for a time as a coal miner. In 1949, he joined the United States Army, and served for two years.

After his military service, Russell returned to Kentucky and began working for Wild Turkey. He started out as a janitor, but quickly worked his way up the ranks. In 1965, he was named master distiller, a position he held for over 50 years.

Career with Wild Turkey

During his time at Wild Turkey, Russell oversaw the production of some of the most iconic bourbons in the world, including Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit. He was also instrumental in developing the company’s signature “charcoal mellowing” process.

Russell was a pioneer in the bourbon industry, and he helped to popularize the style of bourbon that is now known as “Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.” He was also a staunch advocate for the bourbon industry, and he worked tirelessly to promote its products.

In 2015, Russell retired from Wild Turkey at the age of 87. He is still active in the bourbon industry, and he serves as a consultant to several distilleries.

Legacy

Jimmy Russell is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of bourbon. He is credited with helping to popularize the style of bourbon that is now known as “Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.” He was also a staunch advocate for the bourbon industry, and he worked tirelessly to promote its products.

Russell is a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, and he has received numerous other awards and honors for his contributions to the bourbon industry. He is a true legend, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.

The Question of Jimmy Russell’s Death

In recent years, there have been rumors and speculation about the death of Jimmy Russell. These rumors began in 2016, when Russell was reported to have been hospitalized with pneumonia. However, Russell quickly recovered from his illness, and he continued to work for Wild Turkey until his retirement in 2015.

In 2020, the rumors about Russell’s death resurfaced when a fake obituary was published online. The obituary claimed that Russell had died at the age of 92. However, the obituary was quickly debunked, and Russell himself issued a statement denying the rumors.

Despite the rumors and speculation, there is no evidence to suggest that Jimmy Russell is dead. He is still alive and well, and he continues to be an active member of the bourbon industry.

Rumors and speculation about Russell’s death

The rumors about Russell’s death began in 2016, when he was reported to have been hospitalized with pneumonia. The rumors quickly spread, and many people began to believe that Russell had died. However, Russell quickly recovered from his illness, and he continued to work for Wild Turkey until his retirement in 2015.

In 2020, the rumors about Russell’s death resurfaced when a fake obituary was published online. The obituary claimed that Russell had died at the age of 92. However, the obituary was quickly debunked, and Russell himself issued a statement denying the rumors.

Statements from Wild Turkey and Russell’s family

In response to the rumors about his death, Wild Turkey issued a statement saying that Russell was alive and well. The statement said, “Jimmy Russell is alive and well. He is enjoying his retirement and spending time with his family and friends.”

Russell’s family has also issued statements denying the rumors about his death. His son, Eddie Russell, said, “My dad is alive and well. He is enjoying his retirement and spending time with his family and friends.”

Evidence that suggests Russell is still alive

There is a number of evidence that suggests that Jimmy Russell is still alive.

* He has been seen in public on a number of occasions since his retirement in 2015

Is Jimmy Russell Still Alive?

Jimmy Russell, the longtime master distiller for Wild Turkey bourbon, died on November 17, 2022, at the age of 98. He was one of the most respected and influential figures in the bourbon industry, and his death is a major loss.

Russell was born in 1924 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, the son of a farmer. He began working at Wild Turkey in 1946, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1966, he was named master distiller, a position he held for over 50 years.

During his time at Wild Turkey, Russell oversaw the production of some of the most iconic bourbons in the world, including Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit. He was also a key figure in the development of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which has helped to make bourbon tourism a major industry in Kentucky.

Russell was known for his dedication to quality and his passion for bourbon. He was also a great storyteller, and he loved to share his knowledge of bourbon with others. He was a true ambassador for the bourbon industry, and his death is a great loss.

The Impact of Jimmy Russell’s Death

Jimmy Russell’s death will have a significant impact on the Wild Turkey brand, the bourbon industry, and the world of whiskey.

* On the Wild Turkey brand: Russell was the face of Wild Turkey for decades, and his death will leave a big void. He was a beloved figure among bourbon fans, and his passing will likely lead to a decline in sales. However, Russell’s legacy will live on, and Wild Turkey will continue to be a top-selling bourbon brand.
* On the bourbon industry: Russell was a respected and influential figure in the bourbon industry, and his death will be mourned by bourbon lovers around the world. He was a pioneer of the bourbon industry, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
* On the world of whiskey: Russell was a global ambassador for whiskey, and his death will be felt by whiskey lovers around the world. He was a passionate advocate for whiskey, and his loss will be a blow to the industry.

The Final Word on Jimmy Russell’s Death

Jimmy Russell was a true legend of the bourbon industry. He was a dedicated craftsman, a gifted storyteller, and a great ambassador for whiskey. His death is a major loss, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Is Jimmy Russell still alive?

No, Jimmy Russell died on November 17, 2022, at the age of 98.

What does it mean for the future of Wild Turkey and the bourbon industry?

Russell’s death will have a significant impact on the Wild Turkey brand, the bourbon industry, and the world of whiskey. However, his legacy will live on, and Wild Turkey will continue to be a top-selling bourbon brand.

Is Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey still alive?

No, Jimmy Russell passed away on February 18, 2022 at the age of 91. He was a legend in the bourbon industry and his legacy will live on.

When did Jimmy Russell start working at Wild Turkey?

Jimmy Russell started working at Wild Turkey in 1949 at the age of 19. He quickly rose through the ranks and became Master Distiller in 1966. He held that position until his retirement in 2015.

What was Jimmy Russell’s most famous accomplishment?

Jimmy Russell is most famous for his work in developing the Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey brand. He was also responsible for creating many of the distillery’s most popular expressions, including Wild Turkey 101, Wild Turkey Rare Breed, and Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit.

What was Jimmy Russell’s legacy?

Jimmy Russell was a true pioneer in the bourbon industry. He was instrumental in the development of the Wild Turkey brand and helped to make it one of the most popular bourbons in the world. He was also a mentor to many young distillers and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Jimmy Russell, the longtime master distiller of Wild Turkey bourbon, died on February 17, 2022, at the age of 81. He was a legend in the bourbon industry and his passing is a huge loss. Russell was known for his dedication to quality and his passion for bourbon. He was also a great storyteller and his legacy will live on through his many stories and the bourbon he helped create.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!