Reverend James Alvin Richardson, Jr., 71, of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024 after a sudden illness. He was born in Gainesville, Florida to the late James Alvin Richardson, Sr. and Doris Scofield Richardson. He was raised in the High Springs area and moved to Lake City in 1975, where he made his home. He was a 1970 graduate of Santa Fe High School, where he was very active in the FFA chapter; and served as a FFA State Officer in 1971. He was voted as the most dependable during his senior year, was a Balfour Award Recipient and was the President of the Beta Club & Vice President of the Student Government. He was also a member of the High School Band as well as the Senior Hall of Fame of Santa Fe High School. He then went on to graduate from the University of Florida with his Bachelor of Science degree in business.

He was the former owner of Richardson Oil Company here in Lake City; and was the current owner of Richardson Automotive Paint & Supply here in Lake City. Reverend Richardson served as Pastor of Spring Hill Methodist of Traxler for over 23 years and was a member of the Global Methodist Church where he was just ordained as an Elder. In his spare time, he enjoyed preaching and teaching the Gospel and was known as a "Pit Master" when it came to smoking meat. He was also a past Eagle Scout.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Janie W. Richardson of Lake City; sons, Matthew Richardson of Lake City and Anthony Robinson of Lake City; and his sister, Doris Ann Imler (Gary) of High Springs. Multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

A funeral service for Reverend Richardson will be conducted on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Spring Hill Methodist of Traxler, 23300 NW Old Bellamy Road, Alachua, FL, 32615, with Rev. Jay Therrell, President of Florida Global Methodist Church, officiating; assisted by Rev. Ray Waterman and Pastor Simon Middleton. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday evening, January 26, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Spring Hill Methodist Church of Traxler or to the Pregnancy Care Center of Lake City.