James 'J.R.' Richardson
James Emmett "J.R." Richardson, age 73, resident of Brainerd, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, in comfort and peace with family and support nearby after struggling with ill health the past year.
James was born on Aug. 15, 1935, in Randall, Minn., to Gilbert and Lyda (Johnson) Richardson. He grew up in Pequot Lakes and Brainerd. He was a graduate of Brainerd High School class of 1953. He was active and traveled with FFA and was an honor student. He took classes in horticulture at the University of Minnesota.
Jame "J.R." Richardson
James worked for many years for Gambles, relocating to manage and assist the opening of new stores. He then worked for Furniture Barn at several Twin Cities locations. He retired from Acorn Nursery in Brainerd after 25 years of service, all in sales. He loved people, animals, trees, plants and flowers. He was a steadfast provider for his family and a loving and giving father.
Survivors include his wife, Lillian Richardson; three daughters, Jeanne Richardson, of Crystal, Minn., Linda (Russell) Sullivan, of Brainerd, Beverly (Randy) Roberts, of Hastings, Minn.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, David (Eileen) Richardson, of Pine River; two sisters, Muriel (Jamie) Suhr, of Pine River, and Delores (Al) Bronmer, of Arizona.
James retired from Acorn Nursery in Brainerd after 25 years of service, all in sales. He loved people, animals, trees, plants and flowers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Gabriel Waweru officiating. Burial will be in Pequot Lakes, Minn. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday with rosary at 5 p.m. Sunday at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd and at the church the hour before services Monday.
Memorials preferred to the Michael Dowling School for Cerebral Palsy in northeast Minneapolis.