Richard C. James, 86, of Winter Garden, Florida passed away suddenly on October 07, 2024. MSgt. James was born on November 25, 1937 to the late Malvern and Erma James in Reading, Ohio. Dick is preceded in death by his siblings Robert James, Linda Lou James Smith and Dona James Patrick. He is survived by his daughter Kelli James (Chris) Bonner and her mother, Joan; grandchildren Kym (Sam) Hudson, Trey Bickley, Christa Bickley and Marcella Bonner; great-granddaughter Kyleigh Marconi; nieces Kathie (Bill) Karr and Sharon (Larry) Herrera, nephew David (Lala) Patrick and many grands; as well as his long-time partner Rita Roberts and her son, Ken Roberts, and many loving neighbors.
Dick held a lasting dedication to the US Marine Corps where among many assignments, he served in Viet Nam, and stateside as Operations Chief for Marine Helicopter Squadron One. In retirement from a career in the USMC, he became an avid golfer, pursuing the game regularly and in tournaments around Florida and the US East coast. Family and friends will gather for service and committal with Marine Corps and American Legion Honor Guard at the City of Orlando’s Greenwood Cemetery, 1603 Greenwood Street, on Thursday, November 14 at 2 PM.
“In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Heart and Armor Foundation at
heartandarmor.org
or the American Legion at
floridalegion.org
”