James Richardson

Gales Ferry- James Warren Richardson, 83, of Gales Ferry, passed away on May 22, 2011 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London with his family by his side. He was born on March 19, 1928 in Nickerson, Kansas to the late John Paul and Emma Richardson. He is married to his loving wife Mary (Clark) Richardson also of Gales Ferry.

James was an Army Veteran, serving in the Korean War and a member of the VFW Post 4608. He began his career at General Dynamics in San Diego, California. He retired from General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division in 1992 after working on the Poseidon and Trident Missile Programs for 38 years. He was married to Helen Jean Lortscher for 30 years, residing in many different states before settling in Connecticut with their four children. She passed away on November 7, 1984.

He helped start the Ledyard Youth Football League where he was President and coach. He also coached Ledyard youth baseball and basketball. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan who also loved going to Dodd Stadium and the Garde Arts Theatre. A long time resident of the Gales Ferry Community where he was involved in numerous communities activities most especially the Gales Ferry Cemetery Committee. He continued to be a strong fan of his grandchildren’s activities.

Besides his wife, James is survived by his children, a son Rex Richardson and his wife Carol of Griswold, a son Randy Richardson of New London, a daughter Tammy Martel and her husband Steve of Griswold, a daughter Rebecca Hayward and her husband Robert of Griswold, a sister Tilli Ann McFadden and her husband Bob of Hutchinson, Kansas, a sister Gladys Sargent of Hutchinson, Kansas, a brother David Richardson and his wife Phyllis of Nickerson, Kansas. He also leaves behind stepchildren Thomas Clark of Ledyard, Clifford and Dawn Clark of Ashaway, RI, and Theresa Norman of Kansas. His grandchildren that loved his dearly, Danielle Hayward, Robert Hayward, Brian Richardson, Scott Richardson, Brooke Martel, Dylan Martel, Tori Martel, Alex Richardson, Sara Richardson, and Randal Richardson. He also leaves behind seven step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his first wife Helen Jean Richardson, and brothers Carl and John Paul Richardson.

Family and friends may visit Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich on Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry on Chapman Lane. Burial will immediately follow at Gales Ferry Cemetery, Hurlbutt Road. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in James’ honor to Ledyard Youth League c/o Ledyard Parks and Recreation, 4 Blonders Blvd., Ledyard, CT 06339. Please indicate in the memo field of your payment for “football donation”. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for the Richardson family.