View Funeral Webcast

James Wayne Richardson, 84, passed away on October 26, 2022, at his home in Great Bend, Kan. He was born on August 30, 1938, in Stafford, Kan., to Everett and Irene (Bates) Richardson. On October 09, 1960, he married Carolyn Allison in Stafford, Kan. She survives.

Coming from Colorado Springs, Colo., James was a Great Bend resident for the past 7 years. He was a man of great faith – being a member of many churches during his time in Colorado, including Security Christian and United Methodist Church – and spread that faith through his work in different church leadership roles through the years as well as doing outreach and prison ministry through Kairos for over 20 years. James was also a life-long racer, having been part of the start of the SRCA dragstrip and its maintenance, enjoying circle track racing, and racing at Pikes Peak Hill Climb. He was also a dedicated Boy Scout in his childhood, later serving as a Boy Scout leader for some of his sons.

Survivors include his wife of the home; three sons, J.D. Richardson of Great Bend, Kan., Bradley (Sandra) Richardson of Peyton, Colo., and Marc Richardson of Great Bend, Kan.; five grandchildren, Heather Werner, Savannah Richardson, Devian McDowell, Dorian McDowell, and Darisha McDowell; and four great-grandchildren, Brittany and Gage Werner, and Mia and Dominic McDowell. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Bonnie Gittins.

Visitation will take place from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Encounter Church, with Pastor Jake Newman presiding. Interment will follow at Stafford Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to the Stafford County Museum, SRCA Dragstrip, or Kairos Prison Ministry, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.