In Memory: ‘Uncle Jimmy’ Richard

James Rodney Richard, Jr., known as “Uncle Jimmy” to many in the rice industry, passed away on Sunday, August 5.  Jimmy worked for Riviana Rice in Abbeville from 1975 until the closing of that facility, when he continued to serve the rice industry as a rice broker for Richard Independent Rice Brokers.

“Jimmy had a huge impact on the Louisiana rice industry,” said Steve Linscombe, USA Rice staff who recently retired as director of the Louisiana State University AgCenter Rice Research Center.  “He was intimately involved in the marketing and milling industry especially in Vermilion Parish.  More importantly Jimmy was a really good guy and a friend of everyone he ever met.”

Visiting hours will be observed at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Wednesday, August 8, from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, August 9, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. when the procession will depart for the church.