James Russell (Newfoundland politician)

James Russell
Speaker of the Newfoundland House of Assembly
In office 1982–1985
Preceded by	Len Simms
Succeeded by	Patrick McNicholas
In office 1972–1975
Preceded by	George Clarke
Succeeded by	Gerry Ottenheimer
Member of the House of Assembly for Lewisporte
In office 1982–1989
Preceded by	Freeman White
Succeeded by	Melvin Penney
In office 1971–1975
Preceded by	Harold Starkes
Succeeded by	Freeman White
Personal details
Born	4 September 1940 Lewisporte, Dominion of Newfoundland
Political party	Progressive Conservative
Alma mater	Memorial University

Maxwell James Russell (born 4 September 1940) is an educator and former political figure in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He represented Lewisporte in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1971 to 1975 and from 1982 to 1989 as a Progressive Conservative.

He was born in Lewisporte, the son of William Stewart Russell and Blanche Burt, and was educated there and at Memorial University. He taught school in Comfort Cove and Lewisporte. Russell married Mary Buffett. Before entering provincial politics, Russell served on the town council for Lewisporte. He was defeated when he ran for reelection to the House of Assembly in 1975. From 1977 to 1982, he was personnel manager for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. Russell was speaker for the House of Assembly from 1972 to 1975 and from 1982 to 1985. He served in the provincial cabinet as Minister of Consumer Affairs and Communications and as Minister of the Environment. Russell retired from politics in 1989.