James W. Richards, 73, of Converse, Louisiana, passed away on October 11, 2011 at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Center. He was born on March 19, 1938 in Center to Elmer Ross Richards and Lula Elliott Richards.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Shelby County.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Breville, Brandon Miller, Roger Windham, Max Windham, Jeremy Whittington, Martin A. Faktor, Wynona Richards and Casadie Richards. Honorary pallbearer will be Cordel Richards.

He is survived by:

Wife, Jerelyn Richards of Center

Sons:
Jonny Richards and wife, Paula of Arkansas
Wayne Richards and wife, Lucinda of Center
Gene Richards and wife, JoAnn of Center
Mathew Bird of Louisiana

Grandchildren:
Casadie L. Richards, Wynona R. Richards, Robin D. Richards, Waylon W. Richards, Cordel L. Richards and Shalyn Grace

Brother, J.B. Richards and wife, Lula of Louisiana

Sisters:
Doris Mott of Louisiana
JoAnn Powers and husband, Glifton of Corrigan
Betty Luien and husband, Kenny of Louisiana

Sisters-in-law:
Wanda Self
Virginia Richards

Brother-in-law, Welmer Richards

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Special friend, Connie Bird of Louisiana

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Elmer Ross and Lula Richards
Step-Mother, Leonie Richards
Brothers, Allen Ross Richards, Howard Ray Richards and A.G. Self
Sisters, Dorthy Fay Miller and Lavine Duncans