James W. ‘Jim’ Richards

James W. “Jim” Richards, 80, of Mounds, died at 1:55 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Mounds.

He was born on May 4, 1944, in Olmsted, the son of Willis and Wilma Edwards Richards.

He served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years as a chief master sergeant. He was a lifelong member of the Pulaski County Memorial VFW Post No. 8891 in Mounds and was a lifelong member of Louis Phares American Legion Post No. 178 in Villa Ridge, where he served as past commander and served on the military honors burial team.

On Aug. 24, 1963, in Mounds, he married Margaret Ann Palmer Richards. She preceded him in death on March 26, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two sisters, Marie Watson and Grace Richards.

Survivors include his daughter, Lee Ann Richards McLean (Jason Felean); son Kevin Richards (Amanda Smithson); grandchildren Krysten Green, Taylor Green (Tyler Lukens), James Michael Richards (Brianna) and Lexi Richards; one great-granddaughter, Alaiya Richards; very special friend Donna Williams; a sister, Susie (Paul) Farris; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge. The Rev. Buddy Walls officiated. Interment followed in Spencer Heights Cemetery in Mounds. Full military honors were accorded by by the Scott Air Force Base funeral honors team and area veterans.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.jones-funeral.com.

Jones Funeral Home Villa Ridge was in charge of arrangements.