James Matthew "Jim" Richardson Sr.

LONGVIEW — James Matthew "Jim" Richardson Sr., 92, of Longview, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2013, at his home in Longview, with his wife of 72 years, Lurlene Minter Richardson, at his side. Mr. Richardson was a longtime resident of the Longview area.
Visitation with the family will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 2013, in the Fellowship Hall of Longview Missionary Baptist Church. Memorial services officiated by Longview Missionary Baptist Church Associate Pastor Tony Harp will follow at the church on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at 10:30 a.m.
Mr. Richardson was born December 25, 1920, to James M. and Myrtle P. Richardson on the family cotton farm in the rural community of Rice in Ellis County, Texas. He was the fourth of five children, having three elder sisters, Vera, Ruth and Jimmy, and younger brother, Herbert.
Mr. Richardson attended school in Ennis, Texas, graduating from Ennis High School in 1937, and completing a business law course in 1938. Later that same year, Mr. Richardson began dating Miss Lurlene Minter whom he married on Christmas Day 1940. The couple soon moved to Houston, and Mr. Richardson accepted a job in sales for Sears, Roebuck and Co.
With World War II swiftly approaching, the couple moved to Texarkana, where Mr. Richardson enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and subsequently began his pilot training in September 1942. Mr. Richardson received his wings as a second lieutenant A-20 bomber pilot for the 47th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force, and served as a flight leader for his squadron carrying out 72 missions over Italy and North Africa, earning him a promotion to first lieutenant and an air medal for distinguished flying service.
After the war, Mr. Richardson returned home and settled in Waco, continuing his AAF service as a test pilot. It was during this time the Richardson's were blessed with the birth of their son, Dr. James Matthew Richardson Jr., on June 6, 1945.
Upon completion of his military service, the Richardson's moved to Longview in 1946, where Mr. Richardson spent the remainder of his career with Sears and Roebuck as one of their top sales managers. He retired from Sears in 1976 after 35 years of employment and spent most of his retirement on Lake Cherokee, where he enjoyed fishing, spending time with friends and family and traveling with the local Good Sam club.
Mr. Richardson was an honorary charter member of the Longview Missionary Baptist Church, faithfully serving the last 66 years as a deacon, teacher, worship leade, and choir member, and he was an active supporter for local and international missions. In 2002, the Richardson's moved back to Longview, living on Paverstone Street for several years before settling into Mr. Richardson's final home at Colonial Village.
Mr. Richardson was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; brother; and son, Dr. James Matthew Richardson Jr..
He is survived by his wife, Lurlene Minter Richardson; grandchildren, Pamela Paul and husband, Adam, of Frisco, Paula Harp and husband, Chris, of Longview, and Robert Richardson of Nacogdoches; stepgrandson, Jordan Johnson and wife, Emily, of Crossroads, Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Abigail Paul of Frisco and Collin, Conner, Evan and Everett Harp of Longview; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Richardson's name to the Longview Missionary Baptist Church Mission Fund designated for the Island Mission Fund in care of Bro. Glen Knight-The Philippines.
The family would like to thank the staff of Texas Home Health and Colonial Village for the excellent care provided to Mr. Richardson in his last months.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com