James Richardson

James Harold Richardson was born on January 9, 1941 in Minneapolis, MN to Harold and Dorothy (McIntosh) Richardson. He attended Robinsdale High School and graduated in 1959. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Coral Sea Air Craft Carrier as a 3rd class gunner and served from 1959-1965. He returned back to Minneapolis. Jim married Kathy and the couple was blessed with a son, Derek. Jim worked as a carpenter and helped with the Minnetonka Water Patrol. On June 16, 1984, Jim was united in marriage to Elsie Regehr in Maple Grove. The couple moved to Corcoran where Jim worked as a quality control inspector, and later as a self-employed carpenter. The couple moved to Hanover in 1987 where Jim remodeled their older home. In 2000, they moved to Glenwood where Jim built their home. Jim retired in 2003, but still continued working a variety of odd jobs. They then moved to Alexandria in 2013. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, RC planes, camping, snowmobiling and motorcycle riding. He was a member of the New Life Christian Church where he got to put his carpenter skills to work when they built the church, and he also made the crosses for outside and inside the church. He enjoyed helping with the food drop that they did at church with the United Way. Jim belonged to the Pope County Sheriff?s Posse, Wright County RC Flyers, Alexandria RC Flyers, and the Lakes Area Hog Chapter. Jim died on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife, Elsie Richardson; son, Derek (Carrie) Richardson of Golden Valley; brothers, Jerry (Sue) Richardson of Evansville and John (Kim) Richardson of Buffalo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy and former wife, Kathy. A memorial service was held on Monday, February 3, 2014 at the New Life Christian Church in Alexandria with Reverends John Taplin and Jeremy Schneider officiating. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87, VFW Post 936, VVA Chapter 235, and the Minnesota National Honor Guard. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.