James Albert Richardson

James “Jim,” “Jimmy,” or “J.R.” Richardson was born on May 16, 1940, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Justina and Albert Richardson. He grew up with his older sister, Catherine, and his younger brother, Frankie, and attended St. Mary of Loretto Catholic School for 12 years. During high school, he enjoyed playing football, baseball, and basketball.

After graduation, Jim went to work for Armour and Company, unloading beef from trains at its processing facility. He later joined the Air National Guard and served one year on active duty in France during the Berlin Crisis.

On New Year’s Eve in 1959, Jim and a few friends crashed a friend’s party—a decision that would change the course of his life. That evening, he met Marianne Briggs. They dated for the remainder of the school year before Marianne left for college. They reconnected in 1963 while she was teaching at Catholic High School in Pensacola, Florida, and were married that December.

Jim began a career with National Cash Register, and together he and Marianne embarked on a life that would take their growing family to many different places. Their daughters Chrissie and Paula were born in Pensacola, while Ken, Kate, and Scott were born in Macon, Georgia. NCR took them to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Following his years with NCR, Jim pursued several careers and business ventures. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a restaurant when he opened The Plantation in Tuscaloosa. Later, he has a short run with but an immediate rise with Cracker Barrel. He later retired from Steel City GMC in Birmingham. After retirement, Jim and Marianne moved to Milton, Florida, where they made their final home. Retirement, however, did not diminish his love of cooking and serving others. He went on to own the Pit Stop Deli in Pensacola.

The greatest pride and joy of Jim’s life was his family, his five children, 13 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted and enthusiastic Alabama football fan who could be found glued to the television every Saturday from August through January (and any other time of the year watching basketball, baseball, softball, gymnastics, etc. If it was Alabama, he would watch it.) One of his favorite memories was attending the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans with his sons and son-in-law.

Jim also loved playing golf and traveling, whether with his sister-in-law and her husband or with lifelong friends from Macon. Wherever he and Marianne landed, Jim could often be found serving in the church kitchen.

He is survived by Marianne, his beloved wife of 62 years; his five children, Chrissie (Dan) Foster, Paula Richardson, Ken Richardson, Kate Lewis, and Scott (Michelle) Richardson; his 13 grandchildren; his 17 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong Catholic faith, his love of cooking and fellowship, his adventurous spirit, and, of course, his unwavering loyalty to the Crimson Tide. His life was full of hard work, laughter, good food, treasured friendships, and an enduring love for his family.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 03, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 6451 Park Ave NW, Milton, FL 32570. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Michael Reed as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry, 6451 Park Ave, Milton FL 32570.