James E. Richardson

August 19, 1942 - March 29, 2013

James E. Richardson, 70, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, after a 14-year battle against cancer. He passed away in his home in Redding, California in the presence of family, friend, and his loving wife of 47 years, Charles Etta Richardson. He was 70 years old.

James dedicated his life to his family and his work. He had a successful A 40-year career in sales management beginning with the Coca-Cola Company Foods Division. He also worked for Van de Kamp’s Foods, Pillsbury, and Brown & Williamson, from which he retired in 2005. Over the years, James steadily climbed the corporate ladder, moving when opportunities arose and taking his family from one community to another. They all thus moved from Houston, Texas, to Schaumburg, Illinois, to Southfield, Michigan, to Irvine, California, to Danville, California and finally to Redding.

He started his journey in San Antonio, Texas, where James was born to James C. Richardson and Cordie Lee (Harvey) Richardson. He was the oldest of four and grew up in a close-knit community that included his grandmother and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He worshiped at Bethel AME Church and attended Brackenridge High School, where he played football and the sousaphone. Very soon after graduating, he entered the U.S. Army and served as a medic in Germany for two years.  He was honorably discharged. He returned home and worked his way through college, beginning with two-years at San Antonio Community College. He then transferred to the University of Houston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  While moving from the military to college, he met his future wife, Charles Etta Chapple. They were married in 1966 and had three children. 

James was an ardent athlete and a true friend.  He enjoyed engaging in physical activities with his friends, including completing 3 marathons, taking long-distance bike rides, and playing golf. While living in Michigan, he biked long distances that culminated in family picnics and all-night parties with the Bottomless Pitts. He enjoyed formal and fun family outings with Jack and Jill Associates in the Bay Area and had begun playing golf in earnest among friends in Irvine.  In Redding, he joined the Churn Creek Golf Club, where he spent many a day hitting balls and shootin' the breeze at the bar. He loved a good party, a picnic, R&B or jazz music, and a drink. To friends, he gave his wry sense of humor along with sincere care and fierce loyalty. 

Above all, James was an extraordinary husband, father, and grandfather. He and Charles Etta enjoyed house parties with friends and traveling together. They explored the US, Pacific and Caribbean islands, Europe, and Africa. He was an active, loving presence in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He attended football games, dance recitals, graduations, soccer games, first communions, birthday parties, concerts, weddings, baby showers... James gave himself completely to his career, family, and faith. He was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic church. 

James leaves to cherish his memory his mother Cordie Lee (Harvey) Richardson; beloved wife of 47 years, Charles Etta (Chapple); their children: Anthony Richardson, Cheryl Richardson (Steven Were Omamo), and Nikole Richardson (Joseph Feldman).  He also leaves grandchildren: Theodore, Elan, and Clara Richardson-Omamo, Olivia and Ellis Richardson Feldman.  He is survived by his sisters: Charlie Ann Haynes (Don Haynes) and Cordia Novell Polka; nieces and nephews: Phyllis West, Danielle Anderson, Kienu Richardson, Eldon Haynes, Jr., and Nehemiah Pitts, and many other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father James C. Richardson, brother Ronald Richardson, and nephew Kowan Mclure.  

He is well-loved and will live in the memories of many.