James “Jim” and Barbara Richards
Barbara Catherine Richards, age 81, passed away peacefully July 12, 2022. She was born May 27, 1941 to Charlie and Virginia (Eason) Pridgen in Wilmington, NC.
She will be remembered for her faith in God and church, her love of family, as a devoted wife to Jim, her generosity to others in need, her many crocheted afghans, her love of shopping, true crime and mystery novels, and as an awesome cook and a wicked card player.
James “Jim” Peter Richards, age 86, joined his beloved wife, Barbara, September 11, 2022. He was born September 26, 1935 to Ernest and Marie (Roth) Richards in Caledonia, MN.
He will be remembered for his faith in God and church, his unconditional love for his family, his unique sense of humor, and his enjoyment in reading, gardening, and his evening shot of whiskey. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1973. It was while he was stationed in Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina that he met and married Barbara.
Jim and Barbara were married June 4, 1971. After his retirement from the Air Force and GTE, Jim and Barbara moved to New Albin. Due to their health, Jim and Barbara relocated to Michigan in 2019 to be near their children. At the time of their passing, both were residents of Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba, MI.
They are survived by their daughter, Pamela (Kenneth) Sorensen, of Little Lake, MI; their daughter-in-law, Julie Richards, also of Little Lake, MI; their grandchildren: Philip (Alexa) Sorensen, Matthew (Sarah) Sorensen, Jeffrey (Justin) Sorensen, Joshua Richards, Jared (Nicole) Richards, Christopher Wright, Amanda Wright, Dale Ray Brownlee, Rachel Brownlee and Breanna Moudry; 10 great-grandchildren; Jim’s brother, Joseph Richards of Sundance, WY; Jim’s sister, Ruby Schoh of Waukon; Barbara’s sister, Sandra Peters of San Diego, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
They were preceded in death by their son, James Doyle Richards; their daughter, Laura Jean Moudry; their parents; Jim’s brothers/sisters-in-law: Bernet Richards and his wife, Gladys, Robert Richards and his wife, Helen; Jim’s sister/brother-in-law, Harriet Peske and her husband, Gene; and Jim’s brother-in-law, Gaylord Schoh, and sister-in-law, Nancy Richards.
A memorial service for Jim and Barbara will take place November 3 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Christian Community Church in New Albin, with graveside services at St. Peter’s Cemetery, and a luncheon following at the New Albin Community Center. Family requests that instead of flowers you consider making a donation to St. Peter’s Christian Community Church in New Albin or Peace Church of Crooked Creek in New Albin.
