Dr. James Arthur Richardson

Dr. James “Jim” Arthur Richardson, age 81, died unexpectedly at his home on February 16th, 2023.

Born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on October 10, 1941, he was the son of the late Braxton and Beatrice Richardson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Braxton (Mary) Richardson and his sister Linda (Wayne) Parker.

Jim was a devoted, supportive, and loving husband and father. He was loyal to his family and friends and never met a stranger. He was also very kindhearted, generous, compassionate, and constantly reached out to help others. He believed in the importance of an education, and he encouraged all ages to pursue their dream.

Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, master’s degree from East Tennessee University, and doctoral degree in higher education from Duke University. He graduated with honors and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.

Jim began his career as a basketball coach at West Wilkes and Wilkes Central high schools and then Naples Senior School. He moved on to coach at Isothermal Community College and later at Austin Peay State University. He is most known for his career working North Carolina State Department of Community Colleges as Director and a career that spanned 25 years at Western Piedmont Community College as President until his retirement in 2005. Upon his retirement Jim was given the title of President Emeritus and honored through the renaming of the 200-acre East Campus as the Jim A. Richardson campus, a scholarship in his name as well as the Long Leaf Pine Award.

An active community supporter, Jim served on numerous local, state and national boards. Some of the local boards that he served include: First Citizens Bank, Hospice of Burke County, Morganton Day School, Friends of Wilson Creek, and the Enola Group. He also was Past President and Chair of the Burke County United Way, President of Burke County Friends for Animals, President of Former Athletes Association of ASU, President of Master Gardeners, and President of the Blue Ridge Horseman’s Association. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Renew the Tradition Committee and recently Chairman of the J. Iverson Riddle Development Institute Foundation (2012- 2023). Jim was a well-known speaker for various conventions, primarily on sustainable fund development.

Jim active member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton, serving on various committees. Other recognitions include: Wilkes County Hall of Fame and North Wilkes High School Hall of Fame.

Jim was the owner of Mule Creek Trading Company and President of the Richardson Group. Basketball and golf were his favorite sports. A man who enjoyed the outdoors, Jim was an avid trail rider that in the past could often be found on his horse or mule with his friends throughout the United States. He was very content to be at his farm... gardening, tending to the animals and socializing with friends and family. Jim was an avid reader and thoroughly loved history. He also became quite a chef at home.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan Hendrix Richardson; daughters Pate Richardson and Melissa Morelli (Jim); granddaughter, Alysa; sister, Nancy Church (Don); and numerous nieces and nephews

A memorial service will be held at noon on February 25th at the First Baptist Church of Morganton. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations can be made to the Jim A. Richardson Scholarship (Community Foundation of Burke County (CFBC-BEEP Richardson) PO Box 1156, Morganton, 28680 or Assure the Future, Inc., 300 Enola Road, Morganton, 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.