James Richards

Visitation: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Baptist Church in Broadus

Interment: Valley View Cemetery in Broadus

James A. Richards, age 70, of Broadus formerly of Ashland passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2006 at his home in Broadus.

Jim was born in a one room log house in Ridge, Montana on May 10, 1935, the son of Arnold and Marge (Mellor) Richards. He grew up and attended country schools in the Ridge and Hammond areas. Jim graduated from Powder River County High School in Broadus. He married JewelZuehlsdorff on August 14, 1955 in Broadus, Montana. In 1953, Jim went to work for the State Highway Department where he worked until July of 1957, when he leased the Park Mobile Service Station in Broadus. He leased the station until 1958, when he went to work for E.J.Christofferson on a surveying crew. In 1959, he went to work for Tongue River Electric Coop where he was the office manager and bookkeeper until 1971 when he was promoted to manager. Jim was the manager of Tongue River Electric Coop until 1997, when he retired. Jim enjoyed watching sports on TV and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He loved to golf and gamble, especially on his trips to Deadwood. He enjoyed traveling south with Jewel in the winters and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Jim served on the Board of Directors at North Central Data Cooperative.

Jim is survived by his daughter,Valli Gaskill of Broadus, MT; three grandchildren: MeganCurtiss and her husband Brandon and their daughterJalyn of Circle, MT, Bill and Jayme Gaskill both of Broadus, MT; a brother, Francis Richards and his wife Elaine of Rapid City, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Patricia Smith and his wife Jewel in 2002.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Baptist Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visitingwww.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Henry Malley Library in Broadus, the Rolling Hills Golf Course in Broadus or to the charity of one's choice.