James Russell Mumford, Sr., 78, of Delmar, passed away Friday, April 18, 2014 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. He was born on September 3, 1935 in Wango, Maryland, a son of the late Henry and Rosa Mumford. Russell served his country in the U.S. Navy. He began his 52 year career with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Department on January 15, 1962 under Sheriff Sam Graham, serving under every sheriff from that time on including the current Sheriff Mike Lewis. Prior to that, he was a member of the Wicomico County Auxiliary Police under Civil Defense Director Evelyn Beahm. He also spent over forty years working at Sears. He joined the Delmar Fire Department in 1971 and is a life member. In 1980, he joined the Delaware State Fire Police and the Sussex County Fire Police and is a life member of both organizations. In 1987, he joined the Wicomico County Fire Police Association, of which he is a charter and life member, and was currently serving as treasurer. Russell was a member of many organizations including the American Legion Post #64 in Salisbury, the Delaware Camper's Club and was a former member of the Retreads Motorcycle Club of Maryland. He volunteered for the March of Dimes, Teddy Bear Run, and the Salvation Army. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn Mumford; two sons, Rusty Mumford and his wife Becky of Salisbury and David Mumford and his wife Patty of Delmar; a daughter, Rebecca L. Kambarn and her husband Steve of Salisbury; five grandchildren, James F. Mumford, Jeremy Mumford and his wife Kara, Carrie E. Kambarn, Gina Outten, and Mandy Dukes and her fiancé Tony; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Ethel Bradford, Henny Ann Dukes, Hazel Darby and Emma Nibblett; and two brothers, Lloyd Mumford and Franklin Mumford, and a great granddaughter, Lila Catherine Mumford. A funeral service will held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Delmar Fire Department. Family and friends may call two hours prior to the service. The Reverend John L. Stark will officiate. In memory of Mr. Mumford, contributions may be sent to Delmar Fire Department, P.O. Box 143, Delmar, DE 19940 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.