RICHMOND, James E. ("Jim"), of O'Brien, Florida, longtime resident of Suwannee County, was called from his earthly home, August 10, 2023, to rest in the arms of the Lord, as his wife and life partner of 55 years, Roberta Thompson Richmond, was by his side.

With an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech, MBA from Georgia State University, and 18 years teaching math at Suwannee Middle School, Jim was God's perfect partner to Roberta as owners of Camp Dovewood, the one-of-a-kind Christian camp for girls in O'Brien they founded together in 1977 and became ordained ministers several years later. Jim's technical and mechanical skills, pride in workmanship and quiet demeanor made him an extraordinary complement to his wife Roberta, who, like Jim, built her early career as a professional educator. At Camp Dovewood, girls ages 7 to 17 across Florida, the U.S. and beyond, rely on the camp as a place to grow spiritually, share the Word of God, and find life's purpose for themselves.

Jim's desire for perfection led to his tireless devotion to detail, including hours he'd spend reading the intricate details of technical and mechanical manuals before embarking on the design, construction, or repair of most anything that caught his fancy – including the oak kitchen chairs he built from scratch with pegs instead of screws, the camp's 19-stable horse barn, and cabins that house scores of summer campers. Jim reveled in combining his hands with his mind to create almost anything he imagined. He delighted in the mechanics of a tractor, eager to make necessary repairs, or cut, gather, and bale hay as if it was the most exciting task of the day. While the camp kept him busy, Jim found time to pursue his love of fishing, taking his hand-crafted flat-bottom boat to Steinhatchee seeking red fish or anything that would bite a hook. He insisted that his boat meet the standards he expected of himself – uniquely suited for its intended purpose – shallow water fishing. If a fence fell, Jim shored it up. Jim loved family and family travels. He cherished making large model airplanes with his sons. No surprise is that he cooked exquisite baklava, known for its tedious and complex ingredients.

Born May 7, 1946, Jim is survived by his wife Roberta, their son Austin (Cara); grandchildren Gavin, Jacob, Logan, Zoe, and Brielle; by brother-in-law Rick (Aase) Thompson and nephews and nieces, Tyson Richmond and wife Linda, Hannah Richmond Self, Cameron Bilderback, Michael Self, Hayes Self and Rhett Self. Jim is preceded in death by their son Ramsey Richmond of Tallahassee whom he is now reunited with in eternal life. Jim will be missed immensely and remembered as the good husband, father, grandfather, friend, and God's faithful servant.

A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at noon Saturday, August 19, at O'Brien Baptist Church, followed by graveside interment. The family also welcomes friends to a 6-8 pm visitation August 18th at Daniels Funeral Home.

Those who wish to honor Jim's life may donate in lieu of flowers to Camp Dovewood to sponsor a camper or to help sustain the camp's mission.

Please sign the guestbook.