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James ‘Jim’ Richardson, insurance co. retiree

January 17, 2019

James Beasley “Jim” Richardson, 83, a resident of Bethany Beach, passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at his daughter’s home in Lewes.  He was surrounded by loved ones in the weeks prior to his passing.  

Jim was born Oct. 20, 1935, in East Orange, N.J., to the late Mary Quinn Richardson and the late James Beasley Richardson. From 1955-59, Jim served in the U.S. Air Force as an airman, receiving commendation for his exemplary conduct, and later graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1963.  

Jim enjoyed a long and loyal career with the Prudential Insurance Company, motivating and educating countless colleagues along the way. He retired from the insurance industry as a director of marketing, training and development at Prudential in 1994, and then continued to work as a consultant for the company.

Jim’s mantra following retirement was “every day’s a holiday; every night’s a party,” and he brought that joyful attitude to everything he did and everyone he met. Jim had a lifelong passion for fishing and his trips with “Captain Kel” will stand out among the many treasured memories for his  friends and family. Jim enjoyed the ocean, and was an avid gardener, who found a way to grow vegetables at the beach.  He was a passionate supporter of his children and later his grandchildren in their many adventures, particularly as a coach, swim meet announcer, and number one fan.  He led by example, and loved teaching his children, grandchildren and their multitudes of friends anything and everything.  He welcomed anyone and everyone into his home and treated them all as family.  Jim’s love for his family was epitomized by his relationship with his grandchildren, who will carry his love and devotion for them in their hearts, always.

Jim dedicated countless hours to his church community as a lector, Eucharistic Minister and Sunday school teacher at St. Jude Shrine and Church in Chalfont, Pa.  He was a Lifetime Gold Retreatant at Malvern Retreat Center, and enjoyed making retreats with the St. John Neumann and Christus Rex groups.  After the family moved to Bethany Beach, he was a member at St. Ann's Catholic Church, where he participated in the Men’s Group.  Jim was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels Delaware.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name to Amigos de Jesús are welcome and appreciated (mail to 2200 Byberry Road, Suite 110, Hatboro, PA 19040 or donate online at https://www.amigosdejesus.org/donate/)

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Richardson; sisters, Peg McSpiritt and Mary Richardson; and family dogs, Jack and Kharma. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Dalton Richardson; his sons, Jim Richardson (wife Lisa) and Patrick Richardson; daughters, Beth Richardson and Cathy Brokaw (husband, Rick); brother Walter Richardson; and grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Richardson, Grace and Ricky Brokaw, and Patrick, Meaghan, Mary, David and Brian Richardson. He also leaves behind his beloved family dogs, Hunter and Louie. 

Friends and family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Ann’s Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. Visitation will begin at St. Ann’s at 10 a.m. 

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

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