James E. Richards, 72, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana. James was born on June 28, 1945, to the late Fred Dale and Lois Marian (Smith) Richards, in Fowlerton, Indiana. He graduated from Fairmount High School in 1963. Shortly after, he was drafted into the Army and served in Germany, eventually earning the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in October of 1971. Due to an inner ear condition that developed in Germany, Jim was in an accident a week after arriving back in the States. This accident left Jim paralyzed from the chest down. As a result of this happening, Jim became an avid supporter of the handicapped. He would participate in protests for the rights of those who were handicapped. He was a life member of Paralyzed Veterans of America as well as the American Legion. Prior to becoming paralyzed, Jim had loved to work with his hands. He was great at woodworking. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his nieces and nephews, whom he was very close to.
Jim is survived by five sisters; Dale (Randall) Shannon, Groveland, FL, Carole Shields, Marion, Karen Lagle, Indianapolis, Margaret “Peggy” (Jerry) Soultz, Marion, and Vicki (Terry) Underwood, Fairmount; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lois Richards.
Arrangements for James have been entrusted to Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services Fairmount Chapel, 415 S. Main St., Fairmount, Indiana 46928, where a visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service celebrating his life will follow the service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Brock Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at Matthews Cemetery.
Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.