James Oliver Richards

James O. Richards (Lt/Col USAF Ret.) passed away at age 100 on May 10, 2025. Although reared in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he attended the University of Colorado and graduated from the University of Denver. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he resided at Logan Martin Lake for twenty-six years where he was a member of the Talladega First United Methodist Church. Upon relocating in Birmingham, he was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and a past member of the Birmingham Aero Club, past president of the Deep South Chapter, Family Motor Coach Association. During his active duty with the United States Air Force, he served in World War II, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia along with tours at Headquarters Fifth Air Force, Tactical Air Command, and the Pentagon.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Omie and Jessie J. Richards, his sister, Louraine Berry, and his wife, Gypsy Richards. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald J. Richards (Miriam) and Duane O. Richards (Jenefer), two grandsons, Andrew J. Richards (Susanna) and Robert V. Richards, great-grandchildren, Nova Richards and Snow Richards, and several cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 1634 "Eye" Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20006.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. A celebration of life will follow at 12:00 PM. Interment will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery.