James Burris Richardson, 87, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, in his home.

James was born on May 10, 1939, in Kilgore, Texas to the late Frank Burris Richardson and Thelma Fay Taylor. James served in the United States Air Force, from 1959 to 1965. He married Brenda Joyce Scott on November 29, 1968, in Kilgore, Texas. He began working for Shell Offshore/Shell Oil Company in 1961, ultimately relocating his family to Slidell, Louisiana in 1976. He continued his employment with Shell a total of 26 years, before retiring in 1991 as an Engineer. He went on to work for Shell for several additional years as a consultant.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Joyce Scott Richardson, who passed away in 2019. James is survived by his four children, Deana Cox (Kevin), Tiffany Hawkins (Kevin), Angela Richardson, and Frank Bryan Richardson. James has nine grandchildren, Andrew James Richardson, Lauren Ashley Beard Sharp (Austin), Emma Louise Beard, Raegan Leighann Cox, Rylee Breelyn Cox, Shelby Grace Cox, Garrett Wade Richardson, Grace Marie Hawkins, and Tanner Michael Hawkins. James has three great-grandchildren, Alaiyna Marie Sharp, Autumn Nicole Sharp, and Jameson Reese Merwin.

James was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed using those skills to build cabinetry for their home and furniture for loved ones. He frequently could be found performing home improvements, whether in his home or others. He was always willing to help others in need or just lend his knowledge if someone was trying to tackle a project themselves. From a young age he developed a love of music and singing. He had a beautiful voice and spent many years serving as the song leader for worship services at the Slidell Church of Christ where he also served as a deacon. He enjoyed reminiscing and telling stories from his younger years. In more recent years he just enjoyed being a Pawpaw to his great-grandchildren, pushing them around on his 4-wheeler (walker). He will be missed immensely but we are thankful knowing we will be with him again one day in heaven.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Slidell Church of Christ, 994 Old Spanish Trail, Slidell, LA.

The family of James wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his neighbors who kept a watchful eye on him, lent a hand when needed, and took him for his favorite Cracker Barrel breakfast each month. We also want to thank our church family at Slidell Church of Christ for many years of love, laughs, and friendship; you were each a pivotal part of Dad, Mom and our lives for the last 50 years, for which we will be forever grateful.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Slidell Church of Christ to continue the rebuilding efforts from the tornado that occurred in April 2024.