James ""Jim"" Richardson's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - James ""Jim"" Richardson, age 84 of Charleston, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 in the comfort of his home and in the presence of his loving family. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, September 7, 2012 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral chapel with Pastors Tom Skinner and Dan Hutton officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery located in Charleston. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to Lincolnland Hospice or to the American Cancer Society. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Jim was born on March 25, 1928 in Oilfield, Illinois, a son of the late Charles and May (Biggs) Richardson. He married Jean St. Clair on December 23, 1944 in Henderson, Kentucky and they have shared a life which encompassed family and friendship. He is also survived by three children, Linda Norman and husband Keith and Jan Hutton and husband Dan, all of Charleston and Myron Richardson and wife Pam of Lake Mary, Florida; seven grandchildren, Melissa Watson and husband Mike of Charleston, Karesa Encarnacao and husband Joe of Reading, Massachusetts, Laura White and husband Eric ""E.J."" of Magnet, Illinois, Rob Hutton and wife Karen of Charleston, Ryan Richardson and fiancé Randi Moak of Lake Mary, Kelsie Hunt and husband Gary of Longwood, Florida, and Matt Richardson of Lake Mary; ten great-grandchildren and another expected in January, Justin, Samantha and Allison Watson of Charleston, Kaytlin, Kylie, Kamryn and Jayson Encarnacao of Reading, and Janel, Reece and Maysa Hutton of Charleston. In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death by three sisters, Nellie Southard, Goldie James and Vera Connelly; and a brother, Golden ""Bud"" Richardson. Jim was employed by the Charleston Brown Shoe Factory for many years before accepting a position in the Building Services Department at Eastern Illinois University. He was a man of faith and was the Sunday School Superintendent and teacher at East Harrison Street Church of God. More recently he regularly attended Friendship Baptist Church with his family. Jim enjoyed outdoor activities and watching all types of sporting events but it was apparent that being the avid Chicago Cub fan that he was - baseball was his favorite. He was a skilled carpenter and quite a capable handyman as was evident in the family home which he constructed located on Whippoorwill Drive. The manner in which Jim lived his life was a true indication that his children and his family were his priority and his life was centered round them. He could always be found on the sidelines cheering and lending his support to a child or grandchild that was participating in a sporting event. He was also committed to being a positive role model and a good provider for his family. Jim was blessed with friendships which were faithful and lifelong and he never lost sight of the enjoyment that the simple things in life could bring such as eating out with family or friends. For Jim it was his faith and those very family and friends which guided his life, creating a man who was truly loved and a blessing in the lives of so many. Click to view Jim's memorial video.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?