James E. Richards

WINCHENDON – James E. Richards, 81, of 122 Ipswich Drive, died peacefully Monday evening, April 20, 2020 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Winchendon on February 10, 1939, son of the late Arthur E. and Marion R. (Jelley) Richards and was a 1956 graduate of Murdock High School.  Following graduation, Jim entered the Coast Guard and served in the Merchant Marines for 8 years.

Jim was a radio telegraph operator for RCA in Chatham, MA for 16 years until his retirement in 1993.  In 1995, he returned to Winchendon from Chatham.  Jim was an amateur radio operator with call letters KIGRM.  He enjoyed target shooting and was a member of Winchendon Rod and Gun Club and Society of Wireless Pioneers.

He leaves his wife of ten years, Patricia C. (Hetu) Bailey Richards; a brother, Terry A. Richards of Cunningham, Tenn.; two sisters, Jean E. Premo of Franklin, NC and Linda E. Sewall of Seward, Alaska and several nieces and nephews.  His first wife, Bernice M. (St. Laurent) Richards, died in 2007.

Private funeral services will be held in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.  To view the services held for James, please click on https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1064934 .

Burial will be Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

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