Successful Island farmer and fencing contractor, John Russell, known to most people as JR, has died at the age of 56.

JR was born at Westcourt Farm, Shorwell in April, 1967.

He went to Brighstone Primary, Trinity CE Middle and Carisbrooke High Schools.

Leaving school at 16, he went to work at Wolverton Farm for George Penrice, and then for David King after George died.

From 1985 he worked for Keith Joyce for many years, where he acquired his HGV licence and drove for Island Grain.

After working with Keith Reynolds, doing fencing, and a season with Bun Symes in 1991, he travelled with Paul Bull and Simon Strickland to New Zealand where great times and adventures were had by all.

Returning in 1992, he started his own agricultural contracting and fencing business, which is still running successfully today.

JR was a keen sportsman, playing football for Shorwell and Brighstone, as well as snooker for Shorwell.

He also played football for the Isle of Wight Young Farmers' Club, of which he was a long-standing member. He became chairman for several years and will be remembered for his hilarious after dinner speeches and jokes.

He continued to support the IW Young Farmers' Club, more recently taking his son Sam to meetings and being on the committee.

Among his many other interests JR also gained a pilot’s licence.

Taken too soon, on December 9, JR will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and work colleagues. They say he will leave a huge hole in many hearts.

The family said: "JR was known as the life and soul of every party and family event he attended. He had a heart of gold, a huge smile and was a gentle giant. As we were told by a local person, his smile always met his eyes."

He leaves behind his wife, Emma and sons, Harry and Sam.

There will be a memorial service at St Peter’s Church, Shorwell, at 2.30pm on January 31.