One of the most fondest memories I have of JR was from our days at west side little league. I believe we were 12 and and our baseball game just ended. (played against each other that day) JR and I being friends ran up to the concession stand together to get our free post game pop.  A younger kid in front of us who was maybe five or six years old was trying to order a drink but didn’t have the money.  Without hesitation JR asked him what he wanted, ordered his drink and handed it to him.  For some reason that moment has always stuck with me anytime I have thought about JR across the years.   A few years later I had hit a rough patch in my life dealing with a close loss.  JR is one of the people that truly made life a little bit easier when I returned to school.  Always making sure that I knew he was there for me in any way that I needed him to be.  Many nights me and JR were on the phone and all he did was listen to me grieve and be understanding.  For as long as I have known JR he was the nicest and most considerate person I have ever met.  

My thoughts and prayers are with JRs family brothers, his daughter and to everyone that was blessed to have JR in there life’s one way or another.  

JR and I go way back. He was my first true best friend. I can remember in elementary passing notes between him and his crush, playing with him at recess, and him coming over to celebrate my birthday when I was in elementary. Through junior high we did not see each other as much, but reunited in high school where our friendship truly flourished. We spent every day together. I never had to knock or call, JR and his family always welcomed me with open arms to their home. He was more of a brother to me than anything. I can remember spending Christmas with him, his brothers, and his dad, Jim. Going to the movies and sharing a dinner together. We'd go to concerts together,  movies, bowling, driving around town, or going to Bengals games. I've never been closer to anyone in my life. I hate that we didn't remain as close because of work and school. I still haven't come to terms that I can't just send you a text or call you. One of my favorite memories with you was our senior prom. I didn't have a date and you ditched yours after prom to go to Waffle House and hang out with me. We drove all around town just laughing and joking about things. He was the best friend a man could ask for and I'll forever miss him. 

Me and JR lived one block from each other growing up. We spent so much time together during our middle school and high school years. We played (organized and unorganized) baseball and basketball together. We were in the same classes. We would always end up getting separated in class or at lunch for causing trouble. We walked home from school together everyday. We ran the neighborhood together. We were truly inseparable. I can’t begin to explain how much fun me and JR had together growing up. We went through a lot of your typical teenage stuff together. Some of my favorite memories include spending time playing basketball in his backyard and across the alley over on Progress Ave. He would let me ride his dirt bike in the alley. We played tackle football up at Lincoln school. We went bowling often. We would grab the lightest bowling ball and see how high and far we could wing it down the lanes until we got kicked out. When his family moved up behind Taft Pl, we would play basketball there in the driveway and swim all summer long. We would stay over at each other’s houses and stay up all night. During the winter, we would throw snowballs at cars and run when they chased us. We shared many laughs and celebrated our accomplishments together. We were there for one another when things didn’t go our way. 

JR and his family are salt of the earth. My heart goes out to his wonderful family. We’re praying for Jim and Kim, his brothers, his daughter, and anyone lucky enough to have called him family or friend. Rest easy JR. 

Prayers for all of the family. Jon was a kind soul, and Reese is a special little girl. I had the pleasure of spending time with both of them.

My heart goes out to you and your family.  I remember JR when he was a toddler.  He was a sweet little boy.  May the precious memories of JR be a comfort to you now and may it help to know that many thoughts and prayers are with you in your sorrow. My love surrounds you.

Praying for the family in this difficult time and sending my deepest condolences. JR was a great person and I will never forget our great times together on the baseball field. He was a brother to me and a lifelong teammate. Sending love to you all. 

My brother and JR were good friends growing up. I remember seeing him around the ballfields and later we played softball together. He was one of the nicest and most sincere guys that I ever met. 

OBITUARY

Jonathon "Jr" S. Richards

December 21, 1987 – December 7, 2019

Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park

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