For decades, it has stood as a silent sentinel in Bangert Park—its olive-drab steel weathered by Missouri seasons, its history witnessed by hundreds of children climbing atop its hull and thousands of passersby along Florissant Road. Now, the Sherman tank in Florissant has a new monument telling the remarkable story of how it came to be here—and honoring the man who made it possible.
A Lifelong Florissant Leader
The monument is dedicated to James “Jay” Russell, a lifelong resident of Florissant and a man whose service to his community spanned decades. Born in 1928, Russell grew up in his family’s grocery store, Russell’s Grocery. In 1955, he married Delphie Mann, and together they opened BJ’s Bar and Restaurant, raising their children, Jeanne and Jim Jr., while running the business side-by-side.
A Career of Service
Russell’s commitment to public service began with his election to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1962. He served there for an impressive 18 years, including four years as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Among his many contributions, he played a key role in creating the University of Missouri–St. Louis campus. Russell also served as the first Lewis and Clark Democratic Committeeman from 1970 to 2008.
Beyond politics, Russell was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a lifetime member of the American Legion, and a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2951.
Bringing the Sherman to Florissant
In 1964, Russell—working with Congressman Karsten of St. Louis—secured a Sherman tank for the city. With the help of Dan Hamm and Larry Murphy, the tank was transported from Camp Crowder in Neosho, Missouri. Once in Florissant, Oscar Laramie of the Parks Department arranged for its placement in Bangert Park.
The Sherman tank, the primary U.S. battle tank of World War II, soon became a beloved landmark—a fixture of the park and a living piece of history.
A Lasting Tribute
Russell’s efforts to bring the tank to Florissant left a lasting mark on the community. In 2014, a monument was dedicated in his honor. Though Russell passed away on February 24, 2016, his legacy lives on—both in the tank that still stands at Bangert Park and in the countless civic contributions he made during his lifetime.
The new monument ensures that visitors will not only see the tank, but also learn the story of the man who brought it here—a story of dedication, service, and love for the community.
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