James Richards Obituary

James Richards BAYTOWN, TX - Devoted husband and loving father and grandfather, James Martin Richards PhD. (Jim or "Dr. Jim"), age 93, passed away peacefully at his Baytown, Texas home on September 4, 2025. Jim was born in Mabscott, WV, in 1932, to Paris and Elba Richards. His strong work ethic began as a child when he worked in a coal mine. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he went to college and started working on his engineering career. He eventually earned his Master's degree, followed by his Philosophy of Engineering (PhD), in 1983. Jim began his long career with Esso/Exxon in the 1960's in Illinois. Later, he and his family moved to South Carolina. While there, Jim was elected Mayor of Goose Creek, SC in 1974 and served for two terms. It was a very fulfilling time in his life. He spent some time away from SC when transferred to Canada for a year with Esso. After moving from Goose Creek to Summerville, he stayed in SC until he was transferred to Baytown, TX in 1985. Other than a period when he was in Europe, he stayed in Baytown until he retired from Exxon in 1994. However, he continued to work for Exxon and others after retirement well into his 70's. Jim was a member of St. Marks UMC as well as an active member of Goose Creek Lodge #1192 in Baytown, TX. (Why Goose Creek followed him from state to state is hard to understand). He liked to volunteer at church and in the community as well as being a driver for the American Red Cross Transportation Service. He enjoyed exercising at Lee College, traveling, and most of all spending time with his family. When asked what his hobby was, he always said "work." "Papaw", as his grandchildren affectionately called him, was always sharing his wisdom, keen sense of humor, kind heart, and occasional arm-wrestling matches which were cherished by his family and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and son, Bruce. He is survived by his loving wife, Goldie; his daughter, Pamela Ball and her daughter, Angel and son, Jerrod; his daughter, Sandra Mizell, her husband, Tim and son, Michael; and his son, James, Jr. (Jimmy), his wife, Kristina and daughters, Sterling and Ava; and daughter-in-law, Angela Hartland. In addition, he was also blessed by three great-grandchildren: MacKenzie, Levi, and Kaylie. Our family is forever grateful for the precious 93 years Jim shared with us on earth. Special thanks to the Visiting Angels and Harbor Hospice for the kind care they provided during his final months. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20,2025, from 10 am until 11 am, at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston. The Life Well Celebrated Service will begin at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in the Carolina Memorial Gardens with U.S Navy Honors.