James Richardson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/EWsMEydh3Sk 

James Michael Richardson, 58, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota passed away in his home on December 21, 2024. He was born to James Eli and Margaret (Hlad) Richardson in Corsicana, Texas on December 9, 1966.

Growing up, James attended school in Drayton and Pembina, North Dakota. He loved to tell stories about his family and the life he lived after he left home. Some of his stories were larger than life, and it led his father-in-law to say to him, "You'd have to be 92 years old" to have done all that; but that really was how he saw his life! He loved to dream big while he truly was grounded in the simple way of life. 

James had a huge heart, and he really was the epitome of the man who wore his heart on his sleeve and would give you the shirt off his back. He was passionate about protecting others. He would always say yes to someone in need, always. James made you feel at home and that he had your back. He was such a good friend.

As a truck driver most of his life, James travelled the world around. I imagine the places he went, how easily he would strike up a conversation with a stranger. It must have felt like they had been friends all their lives, because that is how kind, compassionate, and generous James was. He paid attention to others. He loved little children and was so proud of his nieces and nephews, often recounting their accomplishments and stories of their times spent together. He appreciated the value of a child the way Jesus did, and he knew how fragile life could be.

James was a young father when he lost his first born son, James Michael Jr. He soon lost his brother, Sonny, and his father all within a short time of each other. He lost large and he loved large. James had 3 beautiful daughters through a previous marriage who he dearly loved, Lillian, Ellen, and Claire. He often spoke of the love he had for his daughters.

In 1998, James met the love of his life, Judy. They were married for 25 years; and together they had a son, Tyler James, on that fateful day "9/11". James was a Patriot. He served his country for 13 years in the Army National Guard. James held very strong beliefs in his family and his country. He and Judy loved to spend time together listening to music with their family and friends and neighbors. They loved to go to Island Lake, to have bonfires, and James loved to make food on the grill to share with everyone. James had a special relationship with his father-in-law; and together with Tyler, they would drive the backroads gopher hunting and shooting the bull, a special skill they shared. James loved his son, Tyler, beyond any spoken word.

It will be those stories we will miss, those giant demanding hugs, and the way he loved us each so much. There was no question for those he loved, he was a barrel down the hill with the way he showed and shared his love. He was a big force in the room, and their was always laughter and jostling. James was a great friend, a caring brother, a loving father, and an adoring husband; and he will be missed so much by each of us.

Survivors include his wife, Judy; his son Tyler, his daughters Lillian, Ellen, and Claire, and his siblings Ann (Mark) Vigen of Glendale, AZ; Edward (Lourdes) Richardson of Riverside, CA; Tracey Pantzer of Minot, ND; and Susan (Darwin) Halverson of Grand Forks, ND.

Preceded in death by his parents James E and Margaret (Hlad) Richardson, an infant brother Robert and brother Joseph (Sonny) Richardson; his son James Junior; nephew Eric Halverson, and father and mother-in-law Jim and Jean Haus.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home. 
Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the start of the service.