James Lewis Richards' Obituary
James Lewis Richards, 91, of Alliance, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 10:18 pm at Canterbury Villa of Alliance. He was born on February 16, 1923 in Wellston, Ohio to Orville and Alice (Dolan) Richards and lived in Alliance for most of his life. He was a 1941 graduate of Wellston High School and was a member of St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church. A veteran of WWII, he served our country as a teletype repairman in the U.S. Army Air Corps at an Airbase in England with the 390 Bombardment Group. James retired as a Tool and Die Maker from Alliance Manufacturing Co. in 1986 after 44 years of service. In his youth, he played baseball in a traveling team, enjoyed building and flying balsa planes and playing horse shoes. He was an animal lover, and especially enjoyed horses and dogs. James is survived by his wife, Velma M. (Goodnite) Richards, whom he married on November 22, 1947; his daughter, Vicki Swain of Alliance; a son, James O. (Sally) Richards of Minneapolis, MN; five Grandchildren, Michael (Cassie) Swain, Tricia (Tom) Schmoyer, Melissa (Jimmy) Richards de Campana, Susan (Scott) Smith, and James D. (Lisa) Richards; eleven great-grandchildren; and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Willard Bill Richards; and best friend, Jim Phillips. The family wishes to thank Canterbury Villa Family for their compassionate care and support for our family. The family will receive friends at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home on Monday, October 20, 2014 from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. His Memorial Service will begin at 6:00 pm, with Rev. Timothy Muse, of St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment, with military honors will take place at Fairmount Memorial Park at a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?