James O. Richard, alias "Big Jim--the Muffin Man", of Marshfield, formerly of Dexter and Poplar Bluff, died on Aug. 11, 2005, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield. He was born April 29, 1931, to the late John and Katie Monroe Richard.

Jim was a professional truck driver for many years. His grandchildren were the greatest pleasure in his life next to his baking giving pleasure to others.

On Aug. 16, 1975, James was united in marriage to Nadine G. Gaines, and they spent 28 wonderful years together before her passing.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John, Bill and Jerry Richard; and one sister, Nola May King.

james is survived by his daughter, Deborah McCormick and husband Chuck, Michigan; his son, James A. Richard and wife, Cheryl, Michigan; one brother, Cotton Richard and wife Dorothy, Dexter; one sister, Francis Farmer, Sinclair; ten grandchildren, Jeremy, Justin and James McCormick, and James Jacob, and Amanda Richard, Michael and Tim Gomas, Catie Joe Gagnon, Karen Payne and Kimberly Lewis; six great-grandchildren, Ethan and Rylee Gomas, Brittany and Brooke Gomas and Michael and Madison Gagnon; two step-daughters, Hazel Green and husband Charles, Elkland, and Tamara Valdez and husband Alex, La Luz, N.M., his fiancé, Wanda Gage and her family, Marshfield; as well as a host of many friends all over the country.

Funeral services for James Oliver Richard were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, in Day Funeral Home, Marshfield, with Rev. Jack Day officiating.

Interment followed in the Marshfield Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.

The family has requested that memorials be made in James' memory to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Fund and may be left at the funeral home.

Paid