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James Prentice Richards went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Tulia, TX in 1927, to H.P. Richards and Jennie (Seaman) Richards. He had one brother, Joe, who preceded him in death. James graduated from Cache High School in 1944 and from the University of Oklahoma in 1951 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was a corporal in the United States Army when he met the love of his life, Mary Adell Farrar. Their marriage of 70 years is a testimony of their love for the Lord and their family. They had five sons that all became Eagle Scouts, college graduates, and successful professionals in a variety of occupations.
James is most remembered as a man of character; who consistently put his family and others above himself. He was an outdoorsman, who spent countless hours teaching his sons lessons that are best learned on a lake at sunrise, afield on a hunting adventure, or on a hiking trail at sunset. He made time to spend with family developing traditions for 4 generations; from rodeo weekend to Easter egg hunts to the annual Thanksgiving celebration. He and Mary cherished anytime their sons and their families could come home and visit.
James enjoyed a career with Getty Oil Company for over 30 years. He held a variety of positions until he retired in the mid 80’s as the Production Manager of the Southern Division. After retiring, his years supporting Mary in her leadership roles with Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Republic of Texas clearly exemplified his love for her and his appreciation for her devotion to the family during his career. They were members and served in numerous positions in the Methodist church wherever they lived. For the past 38 years, they belonged to Kingwood United Methodist Church, serving as greeters into their eighties. James enjoyed time at their farm, hunting, fishing, and watching beautiful sunsets with Mary from their lake house porch.
James is survived by five sons and their wives; Steve and June, James Jr. and Patti, Don and Lou, Dave and Beth, Larry and Sondra. He leaves 11 grandchildren, Marcus Richards, Matthew Richards, Marci Chaffin, Jessica Paolini, Cassie Wegeng, Adell Nolen, Alyse Richards, James Richards, Joseph Richards, Parker Richards and Weston Richards, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter, TX, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following at Kingwood United Methodist Church.
The family suggests gifts can be made in honor of James to the Kingwood United Methodist Church, The Richards Family Petroleum Engineering Scholarship Fund (University of Oklahoma Foundation Account #41423), or the charity of your choice.