|
|
James William "Bill" Richardson
James William “Bill” Richardson was born July 16, 1925, to Nath Richardson and Madge Blizzard Richardson in Jamesport, Mo. He passed away on Nov. 5, 2011, at his home of natural causes.
Bill grew up in Jamesport and attended public school where he became an excellent clarinetist. He began playing professionally at age 13 around the area in dance bands. He also met his future wife, F. Elaine Williams, and became an Eagle Scout.
After graduation from Jamesport High School, Bill worked briefly at Cook’s Paint, manufacturing paint for the war. He was drafted in 1944, trained at Camp McCain, Miss., and served in Patton’s 3rd Army, 94th Infantry Division, 302 Regiment, K Company in the mortar and heavy weapons squad. He served with distinction, enduring cold, short rations and heavy combat. He was awarded the Bronze Star and attained the rank of sergeant by the end of the way.
After the war Bill and Elaine were married, and he enrolled in business college in Chillicothe but contracted polio. After a long recovery he attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville (now Truman State University) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education. He then began a career teaching choral and instrumental music in Green City and Concordia, Mo. He earned his master’s in music education in 1955, also from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College.
In 1957 Bill began teaching band at the high school, junior high and elementary levels in Excelsior Springs, Mo. As the district grew, he specialized in elementary education and became locally famous as the “tonette man” among all fourth graders. He and Elaine were active in starting the National Education Association (NEA) teachers union in Excelsior Springs. They enjoyed continuing education overseas in England, and traveled in Europe. Bill also directed the Methodist Church Choir for many years.
Retired from teaching in 1980, he started a rental business, restored an MGTD and worked for a time at the Sinclair station. In recent years he played saxophone with the Lee’s Summit Stage Band and enjoyed many jazz concerts at the Folly in Kansas City.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Sara Jo Richardson; son, Robin Richardson; and his wife of 50 years, Elaine Richardson.
He leaves behind two daughters, Ellen Richardson Schoettger and Rebecca Richardson Froehlich; and son, Chris Richardson. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Megan Schoettger and Kathleen Schoettger Lupien; and grandson, Aaron Schoettger.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, at the United Methodist Church in Excelsior Springs, followed by interment at the Masonic Cemetery in Jamesport, Mo.
|
