James Arthur Richman, age 84 of Prescott, was called to his Heavenly home on October 16, 2019 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. James was born January 23, 1935 in South Bend, Indiana to Clarence and Venora (Wetzel) Richman. Jim was raised as an Indiana farm boy learning a hard work ethic at a very young age. He graduated from Clinton Township High School in LaPorte County, Indiana, the Class of 1953. He attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he met the love of his life, Loretta Marie Bower. They were united in marriage on May 31, 1958. Their marriage was blessed with five daughters and one son, and 58 years of devotion. Loretta preceded Jim in death on June 24, 2017.
Jim worked for 3M as a Chemical Engineer for 32 ½ years and retired at the age of 57. He was a Toastmaster member for most of his professional life. Jim was an active member of the Prescott community for 52 years. He served on the City Council, Mayor of Prescott, EDC, and was a proud supporter of Prescott Daze and the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center. Most important to Jim was his faith and his family. Jim was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, assisting as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, Sexton of the Church Cemetery for many years, and member of the St. Joseph School Board and Knights of Columbus. He was a wonderful father, and proud supporter of the Boy Scouts while his son, Cliff earned his Eagle Scout. Jim delighted in gardening and was a talented wood worker. Both Jim and his wife, Loretta had a love for nature, and enjoyed volunteering their time at the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings. They were fortunate to share many travels throughout the world together in their retirement, especially grateful for their travels following Father Solanus. Jim lived a blessed life, and was a great example of a caring, kind, faithful, generous and loving man.
Jim is survived by his children, Mary Kuder, Cathy Richman, Barbara (Mark) Sanborn, Susan Richman, Nancy Froom, and Clifford (Stacey) Richman; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, Janet Wallace and Patricia Miner; brother, Jack Richman; and many other dear relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; and his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 269 Dakota St. S., Prescott, with Father George Szews officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Prescott. Pallbearers assisting with the services will be: Clifford Richman, Andrew Richman, Ryan Froom, Michael Schwartz, Kyle Froom, and Dalton Hanson. Honoring Jim’s passion for nature, memorials are preferred to the Carpenter Nature Center.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Prescott (715) 262-5404. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
