Richard L. James, 62, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 22, 2020 in Russell County, KY. He was born December 2, 1957 in Dayton, Ohio, a son of Raymond James of Russell Springs, KY and the late Marjorie Collins James.
Richard was a 1976 graduate of Patterson Co-Op High School in Dayton. He served 18 years in the U.S. Navy including tours during Grenada and Beirut Lebanon. After his military career, he did industrial maintenance at Crysteco, Sumco, and Mane Inc. Richard was a member of the American Legion Post 49, the Post 49 Honor Guard, 40/8, and was the assistant director of the Riders of the American Legion. He had previously served as the County Commander of the American Legion. Richard was currently serving as the commander of VFW Post 6710 and as a Clinton County Veteran’s Commissioner. He was a member of the VFW Riders District 4 and was instrumental in organizing the two Clinton County Honor Flights that took place. He also participated in Heather’s Hope.
In addition to his mother, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Heather James; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William & Marion Luecking; and a nephew, Ryan Gerhard.
SURVIVORS:
Wife of 39 years: Gretchen Luecking James
Father & stepmother: Raymond & Barbara James of Russell Springs, KY
1 son: Randy (Adrienne) James of Beavercreek, Ohio
2 sisters: Kathey (Del) Carroll of Wilmington, Ohio; Margaret Sue Huseman of Florence, KY
3 stepbrothers: William LeMaster, Timothy Hosak, and Phillip Hosak all of Kentucky
6 grandchildren: Skylar James and Annika James, Emily, Morgan, Lindsey, & Taylor
5 great-grandchildren: Cyress, Terrence, Clarity, Matthew, McKenzie
1 great-great-niece: Georgina
Brother-in-law: Bill Luecking
Sister-in-law: Heidi (Greg) Jackson
Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews
Visitation: 4:00pm-7:00pmET on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio. Face coverings will be required and guests are reminded to follow social distancing guidelines.
Funeral Service: Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 2:00pmET with Military honors provided by the United States Navy and the American Legion Post 49 Honor Guard.
Burial: Dayton National Cemetery at a later date
Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to American Legion Post 49, 140 E. Locust Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177 or to VFW Post 6710, 1130 N. Lincoln Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.
Norris-New Funeral Home of Burkesville, KY is in charge of local arrangements.
