James Norris Richmond, 72, of Sumpter, died Jan. 12, 2008, after a long battle with cancer.
At his request, his body was cremated and a memorial service will announced later.
Mr. Richmond was born on Oct. 27, 1935, at Detroit, Mich., although his roots were in Tennessee. He was a son of Russell S. and Rubby Lee Essary Richmond. After serving in the U.S. Army and being stationed in Germany where he learned the language, he went on to be successful at the endeavors he chose. He had a body shop, built a log home and sailed down the West Coast to Panama on a boat that took him three years to build.
He developed the Richmonville tin shop in which he re-created the historically correct tin ware for which he became well-known. Long respected, his work can be found in the Smithsonian, museums and historical sites, in the movies and in the packs of many a re-enactor.
He was an avid fan of black powder shooting and muzzle loading. He loved history and had a near perfect memory for all he had learned.
Survivors include his wife, Gail Richmond of Sumpter; a son, James Richmond of Baker City; four daughters, Rebecca Bell, Eva Francis, Tanya Neel and Elaine Reynolds; three brothers, Ken Richmond of Dahlonega, Ga., Ron Richmond of Riverside, Calif., and Robert Richmond of Arizona; and a sister, Sharon Humes of Virginia.
Coles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, January 16, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
