James Robert Richardson of Durant, Okla. passed away on Sept. 22, 2020 at his home at the age of 74. James was born on Jan. 14, 1946 in Portales, New Mexico to Ace Lawton and Vonnie Brument Richardson.
James graduated from Kemp High School and then enlisted in the United States Army and served his country in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969 until his Honorable Discharge. He later graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He married Mary Lou Metts on October 3, 1970 in Kemp and they were blessed with a son, Kyle.
James was a self-employed business owner. He was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church in Durant, where he served as a deacon for many years. James enjoyed playing golf, fishing and hunting and he treasured his time spent with family.
James was preceded in death by is parents, Ace and Vonnie Richardson; brother:s Ernest, Elvis and Sonny Richardson and sister, Nina Bounds.
James is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49-plus years Mary Richardson of the home; beloved son, Kyle Richardson and wife Erin of Durant, Okla.; treasured grandchildren: Rylee Richardson and Ace Richardson; sisters: Patricia Garvin and husband Paul of Cartwright, Okla., Phyllis Blankenship of Hendrix, Okla. and Clara Turnbull of Kemp, Okla. and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at Fairview Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Ledbetter officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery with David Bullard, David Russell, Stephen Glenn, Joey Gooch, Dennis Bragg and John Wigley serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Fairview Baptist Church on Friday evening from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.