BIOGRAPHY

James Richardson was born in Eufaula, Alabama, USA, on 2 January 1905 (claimed 1904). His earliest memories were of working on the farm, plowing fields with mules. He later worked alongside his father and drove a tractor to tend the land. Richardson worked as a logger and at a sawmill. He was married three times; his last wife passed away in 2012 at the age of 97. He had two sons, Andrew and Robert. He enjoyed gardening and hunting until his eyesight began to fail.

Even in his centenarian years, he remained active—walking daily and exercising with hand weights. He was also able to perform most of his activities of daily living independently. His favorite foods included fried chicken, fried fish, and sweets—especially Reese’s Cups and Moon Pies. He loved watching television, with favorite shows including Judge Judy, Maury, and Judge Joe Brown.

In 2007, he moved to the Parkwood Health Care Center in Phenix City. When asked about the secret to his longevity, he said, “I don’t put the Lord behind me—I put Him in front.”

James Richardson passed away in Phenix City, Alabama, on 29 April 2015, at the age of 110 years, 117 days.

RECOGNITION

His age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “110 year old gets copy of congressional birthday recognition” – WRBL, 25 February 2014

* “Southeast Alabama Nursing Home Resident may be Oldest Man in State” – Alabama Nursing Home Association, 4 March 2014

* “Eufaula man celebrates 111th birthday” – WTVM.com, 7 January 2015

* “Was he the oldest man in U.S. when he died?” – Ledger-Enquirer, 15 May 2015

GALLERY