James Barry "Jim" Richerson passed peacefully from this life on July 18, 2018.  He was born December 4, 1931 in Ottawa, Kansas to Quay and Eva Richerson.  He graduated from Kansas City Northeast High School and the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.  He was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Air Force in Korea during the Korean War. Professionally, he enjoyed a long and rewarding career in workforce management.  He initially served as the Personnel Director at Dayco Corporation and later became the Director of Human Resources for Syntex Agribusiness, where he worked until retiring from the company in 1993.  After leaving the corporate world, he immediately began a new career in real estate, working at Murney Associates until he was ready for true retirement.

Aside from his professional endeavors, Jim happily embraced the additional responsibilities that he came to acquire through his involvement with several organizations within the community.  Over the years, he was honored to serve as President of Heart of the Ozarks Sertoma, President of the Springfield Personnel Association and President of the International Management Council.  He served as Chairperson of the Springfield Workshop Board of Directors, was a past Commander of the Korean War Veterans of the Ozarks Chapter and was a member of the American Legion Post 0069.  He was also a member of the Greater Ozarks Mustang Club and the Mustang Club of America.  He loved attending the Mustang Club events, although he never needed much of an excuse to "put the top down" – even when the local temperature would have compelled the less adventurous to drive with the top up and the heater on.

Jim married Janice Rucker Bellm on November 6, 1981 at the Central Christian Church of Springfield, where he remained a faithful member until his passing.

Jim took great pleasure in a number of hobbies and pastimes – he was an avid fisherman, a voracious reader and in his younger years, a formidable tennis player.  He also enjoyed playing in his poker club, although there has been some speculation that he was too honest to be any good at it.  One of his other great pleasures was traveling with his wife, often recalling with laughter the many adventures (and misadventures) the two experienced during their "road trips" to some distant part of the country.  He also had a fierce and enduring loyalty to the Mizzou Tigers, the Kansas City Chiefs and the KC Royals.  If any of his teams were playing and the game was being televised, you always knew exactly where to find him.  And you could be sure that wherever Jim might be, his beloved dog Zack would be with him.

While Jim loved many things in life, by far his greatest love was for his family. He cherished the holidays and other family events, happily presiding over the many dinners with everyone together at the table.  Amidst the eating, talking, laughing and general chaos – the kind that can only be caused by a handful of reckless children chasing each other around – he would often sit quietly at the head of the table, with a huge smile and a noticeable twinkle in his eyes.  While the special moments Jim shared with those he deeply cared for will be missed, we will hold close and take comfort in the many wonderful memories he created in us.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Donald Richerson. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice, his two children, Steven Richerson and Carolyn Kierstead, and his two step-children Scott Bellm (Amy) and Wendi Rousselot (Richard).  He is additionally survived by six grandchildren, Kaylie Kierstead, Grace Kierstead, Ella Rousselot, Julian Rousselot, Hayden Bellm and Rowan Bellm.  Sadly, Jim was also briefly survived by his eldest grandson, Brandon Peterson, who tragically departed this life only hours after Jim's own passing.  He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Donna Richerson and several cousins.  He will also be greatly missed by his faithful dog Zack.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 23rd at 11:30 a.m. at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Burial with military honors will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 5201 S. Southwood Road in Springfield at 1:00.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, it was Jim's wish that memorial contributions be made to Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary ( www.havenoftheozarks.org ) or the Central Christian Church's General Memorial Fund ( www.centralchristianspringfield.org ) .  The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the outpouring of love and assistance received from friends during the most difficult of times.  They are especially indebted to the nurses and CNA's on Halls 2 and 3 at The Maples, for their loving care and comfort.