James "J.D." Russell is an American entrepreneur, former law enforcement officer, and commercial spaceflight participant. Over his career, Russell has transitioned from public service in law enforcement to founding technology and investment ventures, ultimately participating in pioneering civilian space travel.\n\nIn 2018, Russell entered the technology sector by founding InfoHOA, a community management software company. Building on his entrepreneurial experience, he launched Alpha Funds in 2025. This venture capital platform was established to focus on investments in aerospace and other frontier technologies, aligning his business interests with the rapidly growing commercial space industry.\n\nRussell achieved wider recognition through his participation in suborbital spaceflights with Blue Origin. In November 2024, he flew as a crew member on the New Shepard NS-28 mission. This flight made him one of the first retired American police officers to reach space and officially designated him as the 670th person to cross the Karman Line. He continued his involvement in space exploration by flying on a second mission, Blue Origin NS-34, in August 2025.
