James (Jim) H. Richards, 91, of Whitewater, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Fairhaven Senior Services. Jim was born on June 11, 1933, on the family farm in Amboy Township, Minn., to Hugh and Nellie (Buffham) Richards. Jim married Wanda Gearhart in Nappanee, Ind., on August 31, 1956.
Jim is survived by three children, Elizabeth (Ernest) Stetenfeld, Laura (John) Vitale, and David (Carrie) Richards; eight grandchildren, Daniel Stetenfeld, Maria (Allen) Vitale-Echon, Rebecca (Kevin) McBryde, Rachel Stetenfeld, Helen Richards, Grace Richards, Amelia Richards, and Charlotte Richards; and two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Leah Echon. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Jim was an Air Force veteran. He spent years as a scout executive, followed by stints as a salesman, and as the owner of a framing shop and art gallery. Jim enjoyed woodworking, reading, playing card games, volunteering at Old World Wisconsin, and spending time with family. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Whitewater. A small private gathering and a private burial will take place at the Roselawn Memory Gardens, Lake Geneva, Wis.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Boy Scouts of America or the Old World Foundation.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
