(24 April 1943 – 5 August 2023)
This obituary has been compiled from information obtained from the various shooting magazines and books and from the live stream of Jim Richardson’s funeral.
A Life Well Lived
Jim Richardson was born at Cessnock and lived his entire life in the NSW Hunter Valley. He was one of three children. He became a a highly respected man who told a great story, enjoyed a laugh and loved a joke. His interests revolved around steam trains and the history of World War 2 and of course rifle shooting. Jim was devoted to his wife of 36 years, Cheryl. He was a romantic who grew roses and encouraged the local bird life wherever he and Cheryl lived.
After leaving school, Jim Richardson joined the ANZ Bank in Cessnock on a starting salary of 8 pounds per week. He remained loyal to the ANZ bank for 37 years before retiring in 1996 as a Branch Manager. Jim had a passion for community service which was clearly demonstrated through his dedication as a very active member for 38 years within the Masonic Lodge and being an active Rotarian with an exceptional memory.
Jim commenced shooting as a child on a local dairy farm before his father (Stan Richardson) with .303 in hand introduced a 14 year old Jim to target shooting at the Cessnock Rifle Club in 1957. His first club competition shoot, under the watchful eye of his father, occurred in 1958. Jim became an officer bearer at the club in 1960 and so began Jim’s long association with the NRAA. Jim’s commitment and passion for the sport of long range rifle shooting is evident by the various leadership and administrative appointments he held throughout his life:
- Cessnock Rifle Club – Captain, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor and in later years, Patron
- Hunter Valley DRA – Councillor (1969-79), Executive Committee (1972-78), Senior Vice President (1972-73), President (1973-75) and Treasurer (1975-78)
- NSWRA – Council Member (1970-81), Deputy Chairman (1976-79), Chairman (1979-81) and later Trustee of NSWRA
- NRAA – Deputy Chairman (1979-81) and Chairman (1982-86)
- NRA GB – Vice President
Jim was honoured to Captain the NSWRA Rifle Team in 1973/74 to Hobart and later Manager of the 1979 team to Adelaide. He attended Bisley (UK) on three occasions and was fortunate to meet Prince Charles (now King Charles) on the first two visits:
- 1980 NSWRA Team as Team Adjutant
- 1985 Australian Palma Team as Team Commandant
- 2007 NSWRA Team as Team Adjutant
Jim Richardson had a huge capacity for service, commitment and the ability to befriend. He lived by the belief that one becomes involved and works hard to help the collective rather than an individual. This is very evident through his membership of the Masonic Lodge and Rotary and the life memberships he had bestowed upon him from within the sport of shooting:
- Cessnock Rifle Club
- Hunter Valley District Rifle Association
- New South Wales Rifle Association
- National Rifle Association of Australia
- National Rifle Association of Great Britain
James Stanley Richardson was a gentleman’s gentleman who leaves a legacy of truth, honesty, fairness, kindness, generosity and loyalty.
Jim Richardson is fondly remembered and sadly missed by all rifle shooters who were fortunate enough to have met him.
Thank you for your dedication and service to our sport. Rest in Peace Jim.
