Treasures Of Heaven

On May 11, 2025, our family lost another sweet member. My uncle, Jim Richards went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Uncle Jim was born on October 19, 1937, in Bassett, Nebraska, to John and Mayme (Murer) Richards. Uncle Jim joined our family on June 3, 1961, when he married my aunt, Dixie (Byer) Richards. Together they had three children, Jeannie Liegman, Jim Richards (who passed away on February 16, 2021), and Raylynn Williams. Their union was also blessed with six grandchildren, Jacob Liegman, Gabriel Williams, Gideon Williams, Noah Williams, Jonah Williams (who lives in Heaven), and Mayme Williams. The family is very close, and they all consider themselves to be greatly blessed. Uncle Jim was truly the rock of this family, and everyone came to him for wisdom, advise, strength.

Uncle Jim’s dad, John Richards passed away in 1945, when Uncle Jim was just a young boy of seven…one month shy of eight years old. Losing his dad, changed Uncle Jim’s life in so many ways, but probably the most significant way was that he effectively gave up his childhood and became the man of the house. Of course, he had older siblings, but Uncle Jim took the support of the family very seriously. He just knew what was needed, and he did it. His whole family looked to him for guidance many times. That shows that he possessed wisdom beyond his young years. Uncle Jim helped his family many times over the years, even after he was married to Aunt Dixie. Several of his family members lived with them over the years. They knew that when times were tough, Uncle Jim and Aunt Dixie would be there for them.

Uncle Jim also loved the family he married into very much too, showing them the same kind of love that he showed his own family. When he and Aunt Dixie were married, there was a situation that took everyone by surprise a little bit. When my sister, Alena (Spencer) Stevens was born to my parents, Allen and Collene (Aunt Dixie’s sister) Spencer on June 2, 1961, it meant that my mom would not be able to attend her little sister’s wedding. My mom loved weddings, and her sister, and she was very disappointed, so after the wedding ceremony and before the reception, Uncle Jim and Aunt Dixie, dressed in their wedding clothes, came to the hospital to see the baby, and to show his new sister-in-law how they looked. It was such a sweet and precious moment, and my mom was so happy. Uncle Jim and my sister, Alena can reminisce in Heaven now, because my sister went to Heaven on April 23, 2025, less than a month ahead of Uncle Jim. I can imagine the reunion in Heaven with all those who have gone before. And Uncle Jim can see his son Jimmy Ray again, as well as get to know his grandson, little Jonah Williams too. Reconnecting with all of his family will be one of the treasures of Heaven for him.

Uncle Jim was the last of his parents’ children left living. He was blessed with a long life. The Bible tells us in the fourth commandment to “honor your father and mother, that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” Uncle Jim lived long upon this earth. He was good to his parents and to his in-laws. When my grandpa (his father-in-law), George Byer was ill, and Grandma Hattie Byer needed help, Uncle Jim and Aunt Dixie and their kids closed up their home and moved in with Grandma and Grandpa for the time they were needed until Grandpa passed away. That was such a blessing to Grandma, who really needed their help. Uncle Jim’s mother Mayme Richards lived with them too as she grew older and needed more help. Uncle Jim was all about family and that included his extended family too. Kindness and compassion simply flowed from Uncle Jim’s heart, and I know that even people who barely knew him felt the exact same way. Uncle Jim will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. We love you, Uncle Jim, and we look forward to seeing you again when we are all reunited in Heaven.