Obituary for James Ronald "J.R." Richardson
James Ronald (J.R.) Richardson, age 84, passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 15th, 2022. He was born on January 24th, 1938, the youngest son of Jodie and Martha (Chitwood) Richardson. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Melvann (Jennings) Richardson, sons Jodie (Loretta), Jay (Christina) and Jon (Lisa) all of Bloomington and daughter, Marta (Jon) Tichenor of Bloomington. He was Pap to Grandchildren Clint (Ali) of Carmel, IN, Curt (Celeste) of Westfield, IN, Blake (fiance Brooke Leins) of Southport, IN, Bailey Tichenor (Michael) of Plantation, FL, Griffin Tichenor of Asheville, NC, Zachary Burton of Bloomington, Toby Orme of Indianapolis and Rachel Orme of Bloomington. Great grandchildren Wyatt, Bennett, Rhett, Reese, and Lydia Richardson. He is also survived by his sisters Alice Weddle of Martinsville, Sue Mitchell of Bloomington, and brother Tom (Joyce) Smith, sister-in-laws Betty Richardson and Donna Richardson, both of Bloomington, and brother in-law Jack (Julie) Jennings of Martinsville as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Melvin and Helen Jennings. His brothers and sisters, Kenneth (Sally) Richardson, Evah (Carl) Robertson, Bernice (Joe) Sparks, Robert (Dorothy) Richardson, Doris Richardson, Bud Richardson and Mel Richardson. His brother-in-laws, Jack Weddle, C.D. Mitchell and Bruce Jennings. His nephews Gunnar Richardson, Monty Sparks, Tad Richardson, and Justin Jennings, and great nephew Mac McCormick.
As a young boy, he lost his father at the age of eight. Through adversity his family rallied around each other and pulled together. To support themselves, his family milked dairy cows and sold milk to the Johnson Creamery.
He graduated from Unionville high school where he was a stand out basketball player, who scored a single-game state sectional record of 36 points in 1956. For this accomplishment he was honored with a commemorative brick at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle, Indiana.
After graduating from high school, he completed Army basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri alongside his childhood best friend Vernal Chafin (deceased). He later served in the Army Reserves for two years. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Unionville and learned many trades, but his greatest professional accomplishment was when he began J. R. Richardson Seamless Guttering in 1960. He was a good businessman that you could trust and depend on for quality performance. Over the years it grew to include his sons and is still operating today.
He was a builder in the community of tractor sharing, restoration and celebration. Jim restored over 30 tractors. He enjoyed displaying these tractors at the many farm festivals and tractor shows that he and Melvann attended. He was one of the founding leaders that started the Antique Tractor display at the Monroe County Fair, which still happens today. Additionally, he served as President of the Brown County Antique Tractors Association for 10 years.
Out of his love for children, he was involved in many youth programs which included President of Monroe County 4-H Board, volunteering at The Peden Children’s Farm Festival, coaching basketball at the Boys Club, and coaching baseball at Danny Smith Park,where he was one of the founding fathers in development of the Park.
He was a Member of Unionville Church of Christ and for many years served as a deacon.
He also served as President of the Little Union Baptist Church Cemetery Association Board.
All that he did and the things that he accomplished will live on forever in the minds of his many friends and to those who he extended a helping-hand. Above all, JR was a good Christian and will be remembered as one who lived his life serving and loving others. We will miss him.
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the many caregivers who helped them through his long battle with Alzheimers.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Children’s Farm Festival at Peden Farm, or IU Health Hospice Program.
The visitation will be held at the Funeral Chapel located at 3000 E. 3rd Street on Friday, February 18th from 2pm - 8pm, and Saturday, February 19th at 10am until the funeral service to be held at 11am at the Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at the Little Union Baptist Church Cemetery at 5511 N. Brummetts Creek Road in Unionville. The family asks that all visitors please wear a mask to prevent the spread of Covid.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Melvin and Helen Jennings. His brothers and sisters, Kenneth (Sally) Richardson, Evah (Carl) Robertson, Bernice (Joe) Sparks, Robert (Dorothy) Richardson, Doris Richardson, Bud Richardson and Mel Richardson. His brother-in-laws, Jack Weddle, C.D. Mitchell and Bruce Jennings. His nephews Gunnar Richardson, Monty Sparks, Tad Richardson, and Justin Jennings, and great nephew Mac McCormick.
As a young boy, he lost his father at the age of eight. Through adversity his family rallied around each other and pulled together. To support themselves, his family milked dairy cows and sold milk to the Johnson Creamery.
He graduated from Unionville high school where he was a stand out basketball player, who scored a single-game state sectional record of 36 points in 1956. For this accomplishment he was honored with a commemorative brick at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum in New Castle, Indiana.
After graduating from high school, he completed Army basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri alongside his childhood best friend Vernal Chafin (deceased). He later served in the Army Reserves for two years. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Unionville and learned many trades, but his greatest professional accomplishment was when he began J. R. Richardson Seamless Guttering in 1960. He was a good businessman that you could trust and depend on for quality performance. Over the years it grew to include his sons and is still operating today.
He was a builder in the community of tractor sharing, restoration and celebration. Jim restored over 30 tractors. He enjoyed displaying these tractors at the many farm festivals and tractor shows that he and Melvann attended. He was one of the founding leaders that started the Antique Tractor display at the Monroe County Fair, which still happens today. Additionally, he served as President of the Brown County Antique Tractors Association for 10 years.
Out of his love for children, he was involved in many youth programs which included President of Monroe County 4-H Board, volunteering at The Peden Children’s Farm Festival, coaching basketball at the Boys Club, and coaching baseball at Danny Smith Park,where he was one of the founding fathers in development of the Park.
He was a Member of Unionville Church of Christ and for many years served as a deacon.
He also served as President of the Little Union Baptist Church Cemetery Association Board.
All that he did and the things that he accomplished will live on forever in the minds of his many friends and to those who he extended a helping-hand. Above all, JR was a good Christian and will be remembered as one who lived his life serving and loving others. We will miss him.
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the many caregivers who helped them through his long battle with Alzheimers.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Children’s Farm Festival at Peden Farm, or IU Health Hospice Program.
The visitation will be held at the Funeral Chapel located at 3000 E. 3rd Street on Friday, February 18th from 2pm - 8pm, and Saturday, February 19th at 10am until the funeral service to be held at 11am at the Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at the Little Union Baptist Church Cemetery at 5511 N. Brummetts Creek Road in Unionville. The family asks that all visitors please wear a mask to prevent the spread of Covid.