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25^th Walk through History Plaque

The City of Florissant, along with Old Town Partners, will host a dedication to unveil a plaque in honor of the late James C. “Jay” Russell. This will be the 25th Walk through History plaque in honor of someone who has made a valuable contribution to the City of Florissant.

The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at 5:45 p.m. on the corner of St. Ferdinand and rue St. Francois prior to the Wednesday Night Out festivities, hosted by the VFW Post 4105 at 410 rue St. Francois.

James C. “Jay” Russell served Florissant for 28 years as a Democratic Representative in the Missouri Legislature and founded the perennially popular BJ’s Bar and Restaurant. Russell, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, was a life member of the American Legion, a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Bishop Wurm Assembly and a life member of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Council 2951.

Elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1962, Mr. Russell served as a state legislator until 1990. His tenure included four years as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, during which time he helped to create the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. He also served as Lewis & Clark first Democratic committeeman from 1970 to 2008.

“Jay Russell has been a mentor to me since I was elected to the Florissant City Council in 1979,” said Thomas P. Schneider, Mayor of Florissant. “During his time with the Missouri legislature Jay advocated for many projects for Florissant, including storm water improvement grants to share the cost between Florissant and MSD.”

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