James G. Richards
James G. Richards, 82, of Grindstone, Pa., died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005. He was born on Oct. 5, 1922, in Brownsville, Pa., son of the late Thomas and Olive Vanriper Richards.
He was a Member and Usher at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Grindstone, Pa.
He had 50 years of service in the Mining industry. He retired as a Superintendent at U.S. Steel Maple Creek Mine and also as a State Mine inspector.
James was a member of PEBTF Mine Inspectors of American and the U.S. Steel Frick District Rescue Team.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving as an S/Sergeant and awarded the Purple Heart, European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal with five Bronze Stars. He was also a member of American Legion Post 275.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen Skerski Richards; eight children, James G. Richards Jr., and wife, Wendy of Roswell, Ga., Lorraine Schneider and husband, Wayne of Grindstone, Pa., Rita Richards of Fort Mill, S.C., Walter Richards of Woodbridge, Va., Loretta Bednar of Perryopolis, Pa., Barbara Richards of Speers, Pa., Caroline Richards of Grindstone, Pa., and Ronald Richards and wife, Jacqueline of Perryopolis, Pa.; seven grandchildren, Natalie Foster, Meredith Sharpe, Wayne and Andy Schneider and Jessica, Aaron and Amanda Richards; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Emma Kramer of California, Pa., and Eva Thomas of California; and two brothers, Elmer Richards of Fayetteville, N.C., and Richard Richards of Brownsville, Pa.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and Fred Richards; one sister, LaVerne (Hazel) Wolfe; and a son-in-law, David Bednar.
Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park St., Brownsville, Pa., on Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., where a prayer service will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., in St. Cecilia’s R.C. Church, Grindstone, Pa., with the Rev. Fr. John Sedlak as celebrant. Entombment will be in LaFayette Memorial Park. A Parish Vigil Service will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The Partner Parish Rosary Confraternity will recite the Rosary on Thursday at 7 p.m. Full military rites will be accorded by American Legion Posts 275, 295, 940 and 838.