James Richardson

James Richardson (1941-2025)

James Richardson was born January 2, 1941 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the first of eleven children born to Moses and Delphine Watkins Richardson, who preceded him in transitioning. James graduated from San Pedro High School, where his love for Track and Field began. James received his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Long Beach and his master’s degree from Pepperdine University. He was inducted into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1991.

Over his career, he worked as a teacher and coach at various schools within the City of Long Beach and the Greater Los Angeles area. He worked in middle schools, high schools and community colleges. His longest tenure was at Long Beach Poly High School. In addition to his teaching in a formal setting, he also volunteered and mentored the youth. He continued to mentor his former athletes and students through adulthood.

Most of all James loved music, movies, traveling, his granddaughter Phoenix and most assuredly, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Growing up he taught Sunday School at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Later in life, Jim held weekly Thursday afternoon Bible Study classes at King Park in Long Beach, California; led by Evangelist Erroll Parker and Pastor Glenn Lassiter, Sr. Even after his illness became advanced, Jim continued to listen to that same Bible Study class via Zoom.

James leaves to cherish the memories of his life, his loving wife, Fredia; stepson, John; his son Jamal (Ebony), granddaughter, Phoenix and Jamal’s stepchildren, Donovan and Caleigh. He also leaves to mourn his sisters, Barbara Robinson, Hattie Lesure, Joyce Stallworth (Ira), Deborah Bailey, Myrtle Johnson, Terri Osborn, and Sherri Williams (Nelson). Jim also leaves to mourn a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, and his closest friends, Ron Alice and Ralph Lee.

A viewing period will held Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 9:00am at Tower of Faith Evangelistic Church, located at 4323 Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA 90221.

Funeral services will follow the viewing period, beginning at 10:00am. The repass will follow the service.

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms”

Deuteronomy 33:27a