James “Jim” Lee Richey
June 15, 2023
James “Jim” Lee Richey, 71, of Homewood, Ala., died Thursday, June 15, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer for more than two years. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, in-law and friend to many.
Jim was born February 17, 1952, in Grove Hill, Ala., was raised in and finished high school in Russellville, Ala., where he was salutatorian of his class, played trumpet in the band and was a lineman on the football team. He was an Eagle Scout and he had a leadership role as a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, an honorary service organization of the Boy Scouts.
Jim was awarded a computer honors scholarship to attend the University of Alabama, where he completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service for two years and then completed a law degree at the University of Virginia.
After working in the private law sector, Jim became a staff attorney in the State of Alabama judicial system, working many years with judges in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Alabama Supreme Court and Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. The law was a career he truly loved.
Jim loved music, particularly jazz, played French horn in his church band and regularly attended Birmingham Symphony events. Although his parents graduated from Auburn University and he almost went to Georgia Tech, he became a big Crimson Tide fan, particularly enjoying Alabama football and basketball. Jim trained and competed in several marathon races, including one in Dublin, Ireland, as well as multiple local fun run races.
Above all else, Jim was a devout Christian and dedicated to his family. He was married to his wife, Linda, for 49 years, and for 45 years was the world’s best dad to his son, Mason. He had a large extended family and was most gracious and generous with his time and support for family, including grandchildren, nephews and niece.
Jim sent birthday cards to multiple members of his extended family and initiated and led his cousins to have annual family reunions, events well-attended and enjoyed by all. He also sent birthday cards each year to members of his church, including cards to the children of the church.
Even while sick, he telephoned family members and friends for a brief visit and to give them words of encouragement. He provided his church with legal advice and information, typically saying about an issue that he would research the matter, before calling back 24 hours later with the information and answers.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, James McCoy Richey, and his mother, Thelma Williams Richey. He is survived by his wife, Linda Johnston Richey, Birmingham; son, Mason Lee Richey (Eva John); grandchildren Sasha John Richey and Cleo John Richey, who live in Seoul, South Korea; brothers Thomas Arthur Richey (Guntersville, AL) and Benjamin Horace Richey (Missy, Madison, Ala.); and many nephews, nieces, in-laws and cousins.
On Saturday, June 24, there will be a memorial at Liberty Church, 2732 Old Rocky Ridge Rd, Birmingham, Ala., beginning with visitation from 9:30 -11:00 a.m., followed by a life celebration service from 11-12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Liberty Church, Matthew 25: Ministries, the Boy Scouts or to the charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood, Ala.
