Jimmy (Jim) Leon Richards, born on June 12, 1943, in Levelland, Texas, passed away at 81 years of age on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Jim was the beloved son of Mary Allard and James Richards. He served his country with honor as an Army Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam from 1961 to 1964, a testament to his dedication and strength. Jim was a Freemason belonging to the Lubbock Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Sons of the Republic and belonged to the American Legion post 243.
Jim’s professional journey was marked by his roles as a salesman and later as a commercial real estate appraiser, where he was known for his integrity and commitment. Jim retired in 2017 and spent his remaining years fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family. On March 2, 1980, he married the love of his life, Deborah Welch Richards, with whom he shared a beautiful life filled with cherished memories.
Jim was a devoted father to his children, Stacy Richards Furdek, Dane Richards, and Cynthia (Cindy) Richards Nottingham. His family was his pride and joy, and he was a guiding light to his grandchildren, Tristan Nottingham, Christopher Furdek, Nicholas Furdek, and Marissa Nottingham.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his half-brother William (Bill) Richards, his son Dane, and his daughter Stacy.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Deborah, his stepmother Florence Richards, his daughter Cindy and her husband David Nottingham, his son-in-law Steven Furdek, his four grandchildren, a sister-in-law Loretta Patterson, a brother-in-law Dale Welch and his wife Jenny, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Jim’s life was a testament to the values of family, service, and perseverance. While we have lost our most beloved husband, father, and pop, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master at humor and witty timing, and once you were marked as important to him, he’d be by your side if you needed him. There was so much more to him than just husband, dad, and pop, though to us, those were his greatest roles – he was also a friend, a coworker and colleague, a brother, an uncle, a stand-in paternal figure to the fatherless, a fisherman, a gambler, a believer, and the list goes on and on. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. As we remember Jim, we celebrate a life well-lived, and a man deeply loved.
Services will be held at Sam B. Harvey Funeral home at 409 Kaufman, Mt. Vernon, TX on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm, with the service at 2:00 pm and a graveside service will follow.
All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, or memorial donations to the Cypress Basin Hospice, are welcome.
