James Richardson

James Hiley Richardson, 83 of Robinson Texas, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Friday September 17th.

James was born March 21, 1938 in Groesbeck, Texas to Pearl and Jewell Richardson of Thornton, Texas. James always joked that his dad’s name was Pearl and his mom’s name was Jewell and together they had a little (gem) Jim. He graduated from Thornton High School in 1956. He met and married Barbara Ann Solley of Groesbeck Texas and they married in 1958 at McClanahan Baptist Church in McClanahan, Texas. The couple moved to Brownwood, Texas where James was the manager of Duke and Ayers, a variety store, and transferred later to Lancaster and finally to Marlin, Texas where he and Barbara raised their two daughters. A few years later, he became a banker at Marlin National Bank, where he remained employed for 15 years. He met many lifelong friends while working at the bank and all who met and worked with him called him friend. Later in life, he and his wife were self-employed.

While in Marlin, he was very active in his community; a member of the McClanahan riding club, the Marlin Lions Club and the Marlin Country Club, where he served as President and loved to play in the Friday golf scrambles. He loved the lake, camping and boating with his family and was an avid Rancher for all his life. He taught both of his girls to water ski, along with all of their friends. In his later years he continued to ranch and garden and watch his grandchildren play sports. James was also a Deacon in his church and was involved in ministries such as Friday morning breakfast with Mission Waco, The Waco Odd Fellows and My Brother’s Keeper. Mission work was a daily part of his life.

James enjoyed playing a good prank and many people can attest to that. He always had a ready smile and a quick wit.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his brother SW Dub Richardson of Groesbeck, brother Billy Q Richardson of Robinson, sister Bonnie Ingram of Waco, and granddaughter McKenzie Ryan of Robinson.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, daughter Teri and husband Tim Holtkamp of Robinson, daughter Kim Jones and husband Phil of Robinson and son Scott Richardson of Robinson, granddaughter Brittney Fikes of Robinson and grandson Jackson Jones of Robinson great grandchildren Lane, Cole and Case Fikes of Robinson and many nieces and nephews. Barbara and James were also foster parents for years and were blessed with dozens of children in and out of their home. Many who continue to come to visit and to family Christmas gatherings, including Dianna Guerra and her family from Lewisville.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 21st at Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Robinson Texas from noon to 2:00pm. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, September 22nd at 10:30am at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Robinson Texas where he and Barbara are members, Dr. Cary Killough presiding. His final resting place will be at Thornton Cemetery in Thornton Texas, with a private service for the family at a later date. Pallbearers are his grandson Jackson Jones and great-grandsons, Lane, Cole and Case Fikes. Honorary Pallbearers are Kevin Hetherington, Jose Ballaza, and Ron Miller.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James Richardson's name, may be made to Meadowbrook Baptist Church for the Lauren Robertson Para-Peru Missions. Please make notation in the memo line.