James Richter

Kerrville J. James Richter Jr. passed away on December 8, 2011 at the age of 85 in Kerrville, Texas.

Jim or quotJimmyquot was born June 4, 1926 in Laredo, Texas. Hes a descendant of August C. Richter grandfather who founded Richters Department Store El Precio Fijo in 1881.

Jim was the oldest of 3 boys born to J. James Richter Sr. Genevieve Camp Richter.

Their home was on the banks of the Rio Grande overlooking the river and rural Mexico.

Although of German descent, the second language spoken at home was Spanish, embracing their unique border culture. Jim graduated from Martin High School, earned his BA from Texas A I Kingsville, and his Masters in Industrial Arts from Colorado State College. He trained as a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps in preparation for service in WWII.

In 1951, he met LaVerne Herron from Los Angeles, California during her visit to a family wedding in San Antonio. They were engaged in 3 days and married within 4 months. In 1952, Jim entered the family business, eventually becoming CEO of the Richters Store. Jim and LaVerne were socially active with many lifelong friends. They enjoyed traveling, playing tennis, sailing, fishing, archery, and hunting at the quotSomos Sietequot. Jim was a superb artist and craftsman who made custom firearms, bows and arrows, painted in acrylic and watercolor and produced ceramic pottery. They raised their 3 children in a happy and loving home in the border city.

Jim was respected as a man of integrity and wisdom. He served in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Border Olympics, Boy Scouts, Texas Retailers Association, NBC Bank and Church ministry. He always gave generously of his time, talent and resources.

In 1982, Jim retired from the department store and moved to the Texas coast for health reasons. In 1986, LaVerne suffered a stroke after which they relocated to the Texas Hill country and settled into a peaceful life in their hilltop home in Ingram. Both became active in the Hill Country Arts Foundation. Jim cared for LaVerne until her passing in 2007 having shared 56 years together.

In 2008, Jim married the former Melba Wadsworth Nicholson in Kerrville. Melba provided amazing love, companionship, and compassionate care for the duration of their marriage.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, mother and brothers August Edward.

He is survived by his children: Dr. J. Richter Laura of Albuquerque, Dr. Mike Richter Pringle of North Carolina and Catherine Whitsett John of San Antonio. His grandchildren who called him quotOpaquot: Justin Richter Kara, Daena Richter Jason, Dr. Genevieve Richter, Kaethe Richter and Jamey Whitsett. His great grandchildren: August, Jovi Beah Richter. Jim enjoyed a loving relationship with Marda Tayloe Jerry, Melbas daughter, of Hunt.

His family is thankful for the lessons in life he taught them through his absolute love of family and his honor and respect for others. Most especially his grace and strength of character and good humor in the face of adversity will always serve as living guideposts. quotWell done good faithful servantquot Matt. 25

The family especially wishes to thank the doctors, Peterson Hospice personnel and private caregivers who helped him during his illness.

Memorial Services are planned at St. Pauls Methodist Church on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11 AM in Kerrville. A reception will follow at the home of John and Catherine Whitsett in San Antonio from 3 pm.

Commemorative donations may be made in Jims name to the Hill Country Arts Foundation or the Salvation Army in Kerrville.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. 830 8955111

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