Jim was born March 13, 1938 in Belleville, IL to James L. and Martha A. (Ruser) Richardson. He married Carolee Jean Schaer in 1958; she preceded him in death on February 25, 2019.
He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Carla Thomure and brother-in-law, Edward Bugger.
Jim is survived by his loving family, including daughter, Jama (Rob) Burch of Belleville, IL; son-in-law, Craig (Pam) Thomure of Bastrop, TX; grandchildren, Heather (Jake) Lindsey of St. Louis, MO, Courtney (Matthew) Holliman of Hershey, PA, Scott (Aleah) Burch of Smithton, IL, Tyler (Natalie) Burch of Salem, MA; great-grandchildren, Aurora, Ezra, Silas, Amos, Annie, Lily, Colin, Aralynn, Owen and soon-to-be baby girl Burch in January; siblings, Jan (Sandy) Richardson of Palatine, IL and Judy Bugger of O’Fallon, IL; and in-laws, John and Sandra Peebles of Belleville, IL.
Jim was active within many organizations throughout his life, including Scouts, Sequoia Indian Dancers, DeMolay International as a master counselor, where he received the Legion of Honor, and he was also a Mason and Shriner. He was the founder and the first color guard captain of the Black Knights and also a co-founder of the Lost and Found youth singing group at First Christian Church. He was extremely musically inclined and was always sharing his talents with others to enjoy. He sang in St. Paul’s United Church Choir and also in the BTHS choir and the Juniors Quartet; he also sang with various ensembles throughout the years. He was a current member of Hope Christian Church in Columbia, IL and was active in Charlie Kohler's men's Bible studies.
Jim retired as an inventory manager from American Steel Foundry after many dedicated years of service.
Jim was the owner and operator of both the Cook Shack and the Emporium, both which were in Belleville, IL. He was employed with the Belleville News Democrat and the Advocate Newspapers. He also worked as a surveyor for Weinel Company and Citizen Savings and Loan in Belleville.
He volunteered at PGA Tournaments in St. Louis and Texas on numerous occasions. As the golf enthusiast that Jim was, this was a highlight for him and a memory he always cherished.
Above all else, Jim loved his family and friends dearly. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) in honor of his daughter, Carla or to the Parkinson’s Foundation in honor of Carolee, his beloved wife.
VISITATION: A visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 10:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL.
FUNERAL: A funeral service will follow the visitation, at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
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