TRIBUTES have been paid to the former chief architect of the Cwmbran Development Organisation and co-founder of the Gwent Autistic Society.

James ‘Jim’ Russell, also known as JL Russell, died at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, on Friday, January 19, aged 96.

Born in Pontnewydd in 1921, he attended the Abersychan Boys School, before studying at Cardiff’s Welsh School of Architecture in 1937, inspired by his architect uncle.

He returned to his studies in 1947, after serving with the Welsh Guards and Royal Engineers during the Second World War.

"After qualifying, he initially worked for the Newport Borough Architects Department," said Rebecca Joisce, Mr Russell's daughter.

"He had fond memories of that time, when he was instrumental in the design of Duffryn High School, now John Frost High School, Newport, one of the many schools built in the post-war baby boom period of the late 1950’s.

"He moved to Cwmbran Development Corporation in 1960, becoming deputy chief architect in 1963, and then chief architect and planning officer in 1972."

Mr Russell retired in 1982, after an award-winning career for his contribution to shaping of housing developments and landscaping of Cwmbran, including the shopping centre, the police training centre and schools.

He also lectured on architecture, and acted as an examiner for the Welsh School of Architecture.

Away from his career, Mr Russell and his wife Stella were the co-founders of the Gwent Autistic Society and Autism Wales.

"He was the first chairman of the Gwent Autistic Society and during his time as chairman, the society was instrumental in securing and setting up Pontymoile School’s autistic special needs centre and Orchard House in Caerleon, a home for autistic adults," said Mr Russell's daughter.

Despite moving to Oxfordshire in 2002, Mrs Joisce added her father was a "keen golfer at Newport Golf Club" and a "great fan of all things Welsh, whether rugby or Lloyd George".

In 2003, the Russells' son Andrew, who was autistic, died.

"He spent a very full and happy time in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire until recently, when failing sight and other health issues prevented him from getting out and about," said Mrs Joisce.

"He will be sadly missed by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, relatives and his many friends both in Torfaen and Oxfordshire."

A thanksgiving service will be held at Goring Free Church on Monday, February 12 at 12.30pm.

Donations can be made to Noah’s Ark, Children’s Hospital for Wales and chadwicksfuneralservice.com/our-services/donations/.