James (Jimmie) G. Richardson, 75, passed away in his sleep with love from his family in his heart at his home in Hartland, Vermont on the morning of November 12, 2014.

James was born on June 28, 1939 in Hanover, New Hampshire the son of Floyd and Veneita (Lobdell) Richardson.

James went to elementary school in Hartland and graduated from Woodstock Union High School where he made lifelong friendships. His class was the first to graduate from the newly built school.

James was a lifelong Hartland dairy farmer. He owned and operated the Richardson Family Farm along side his brother, Gordon Richardson. He was the third generation of Richardsons to farm on Hartland Hill. James founded a split rail fence business. Then, along with his brother, he expanded their maple sugaring business that their grandfather had started. He spent over 50 years milking cows and haying the fields.

In addition to his daily farm work, James learned carpentry skills from local craftsmen Chandler Osmer, Frank Brown and Jesse Ware. These skills built a love of woodworking and appreciation of fine carpentry. He prided himself on being meticulous in his craft which then became a life long passion.
He was also employed by W.D Cabot in Woodstock, Vermont. He was responsible for their floor covering and picture frame businesses. While working at W.D Cabot, Jimmie met his love, Ann Watts.

Jimmie and Ann married on March 18,1967 and together raised three daughters, Monica, Leslie and Deborah.

James enjoyed camping, canoeing, hiking and spontaneous galavanting with his family. He loved to travel. His journeys took him out West several times, an adventure to Alaska, a trip to the Virgin Islands, camping in Nova Scotia and canoeing and fishing on The Boundary Waters.

The thing that James will be remembered most for was his love of people. He loved to visit with his many friends and had the true "gift of gab". He always thought the best of everyone and was a true gentle soul. He was a wonderful role model to all his grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pa".
James was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann and his three daughters; Monica DiCarolis and her son Benny of Woodstock, VT, Leslie Richardson and her husband Chris Lynch and their children, Patrick and Meghan of Reno, NV, and Deborah Thompson and her husband Robert and their children Mason, Molly and Graham of Hartland, VT. He was the oldest of four siblings. He leaves behind his brother, Gordon Richardson and his wife Patricia of Hartland, VT, his sister Elizabeth Caterino and her husband William of Cornish, NH and his sister Anita Richardson of Hartland, VT and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hartland Fire and Rescue, PO Box 341, Hartland, VT 05048.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the First Universalist Society of Hartland at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering to follow at Damon Hall in Hartland.