REV. JAMES RICHARDSON

PERRYVILLE -- The Rev. James W. Richardson, 87, of St. Mary's of the Barrens, died Monday, July 8, 1996, at the Barrens.

He was born Feb. 5, 1909, in Dallas, Texas, son of Patrick Aloysius and Mary Theresa Walsh Richardson.

Richardson became the first vice provincial of the Los Angeles Province of the Vincentians in 1959. He was elected superior general of St. Vincent de Paul in 1968 and served 12 years. During that time he also was superior general of the Daughters of Charity. He was the second U.S. citizen to hold that office.

At age 71 he joined the apostolate at a mission in the Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya, where he served seven years. Because of his health he returned to the U.S. and became spiritual director at DeAndreis House at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, Colo. He later retired to St. Mary's of the Barrens.

Richardson studied philosophy and theology at St. Mary's of the Barrens, and received a doctorate in Canon Law at the Angelicum in Rome. He also studied at the Catholic University of America and the University of Chicago.

He taught Canon Law at St. Mary's, and at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, Calif., where he served as rector.

Survivors include a sister, Patricia Ryan of Dallas, and a brother, the Rev. John Richardson of Chicago.

He was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. Thursday at National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, and Friday from 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in St. Louis. The wake will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Funeral Mass will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Vincent's, with the Rev. Maloney officiating. Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Vincentian Cemetery at St. Mary's of the Barrens in Perryville.