The beloved Bixby School administrator remembers after a fatal motorcycle accident

A Bixby Schools administrator, Joe Russell, died in a motorcycle accident in Tulsa County last weekend and many in the district mourned his loss.

Russell, known as “Joe Cool,” was admired for his kindness, dedication and helpfulness.

His colleagues described him as a gentle soul who was always smiling and never hesitated to lend a hand.

“If someone needed help, he never said no because his life was about being there for others,” said Mike Shaw, business teacher at Bixby High School.

As a tribute to Russell, a large sign now hangs on some lockers at Bixby High School asking students and staff to write memories of him.

“Me and my colleagues endured it [the sign] “As a person passing by, write a memory about Joe,” said Megan Robbins, a special education teacher.

Shaw added: “It was an honor to call you a friend, Shaw. And that was it.”

Russell served as a counselor at Bixby Schools for nearly two years, during which time he had a lasting impact on the lives of many people, particularly in the special education department.

“You're a caretaker, you're a caretaker, not everyone really notices you, but these kids here notice you, I notice you, that's a testament to who you are,” Shaw said.

Robbins spoke about Russell's connection with her students, pointing out that he always made them feel important.

“He worked with every single one of my students, all seven of them. One student in particular learned how to do laundry from Joe,” Robbins said.

Russell's care went beyond his supervisory duties and he was often seen polishing water fountains that were not even being used.

“He would polish the water fountains that we don’t even use because they don’t work,” Robbins added.

Russell continued to help others outside of work hours, particularly with car repairs for teachers.

“Occasionally the teachers would realize they needed help with their cars and they would bring their car to his residence and he would work on it,” Shaw said.

Last spring, Shaw gave Russell a T-shirt from the school store that read “Spartan Strong,” an apt description of what Russell meant to Bixby Public Schools.

“It was definitely him — Joe Strong,” Shaw said.

Russell's funeral, held Wednesday, was standing room only, a testament to the impact he had on the community.

If you would like to help the Russell family, you can donate HERE.