Richard L. James, 62, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away unexpectedly Sunday, November 22, 2020 in Russell County, Kentucky. His wife, Gretchen Luecking James, survives. They were married June 20, 1981. Mr. James was born December 2, 1957 in Dayton, Ohio, son of Raymond James of Russell Springs, Kentucky and the late Marjorie Collins James. He was a 1976 graduate of Patterson Co-Op High School in Dayton.
Mr. James 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.
He 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. Mr. James 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 wife and father, Mr. James is survived by a son, Randy (Adrienne) James of Beavercreek, Ohio, his stepmother, Barbara James of Russell Springs, Kentucky, two sisters, Kathey (Del) Carroll of Wilmington, Ohio and Margaret Sue Huseman of Florence, Kentucky, three stepbrothers, William LeMaster of Kentucky, Timothy Hosak of Kentucky, and Phillip Hosak of Kentucky, two grandchildren, Skylar James and Annika James, Emily, Morgan, Lindsey, Taylor, great-grandchildren, Cyress, Terrence, Clarity, Matthew, McKenzie, great-great-niece, Georgina, a brother-in-law, Bill Luecking, a sister-in-law, Heidi (Greg) Jackson, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
In addition to his mother, a daughter, Heather James, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Marion Luecking, and a nephew, Ryan Gerhard, are preceded in death.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, November 27, 2020 at the Reynolds-Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio. Face covering will be required, and guests are reminded to follow social distancing guidelines. The funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 28, 2020. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the American Legion Post 49 Honor Guard. Burial will be in 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, Kentucky was honored to be in charge of the local arrangements.