It is with great sadness that I announce that a great grandfather, father, brother, and son has passed away.

Those who knew him or have read his posts know that very few have the ability to capture such vivid pictures and match those pictures with such deep and eloquent thought.

For those that would like to pay their respects, the funeral arrangements have been included below.

In the coming weeks and months we will try and continue to fill these spaces with the same thoughts and visions that its founder was known for.

Thank You.

Prayers for James Peter Richardson, 59, of Bartlett will be held Friday 9:00a.m. at the Countryside Funeral Home 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.) Bartlett to St. Mary Catholic Church in Elgin. Mass 10:00a.m. Interment St. Michael. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday 3:00 – 9:00p.m. James Is the beloved daddy of Erin (David) Figueiredo of Bartlett and Janet (Michael) Panek of Pewaukee, WI; Proud grandfather of Corinne, David James, Madison and Emma Figueiredo and Robert and Trinity Panek; Cherished son of Shirley Cozza and the late Eugene Richardson;stepson of the late Dominick Cozza; dear brother of 6 brothers and sisters and 4 step siblings. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 1332 N. Halsted Ste 201 Chicago 60642 would be appreciated. (630) 289-7575 or countrysidefuneralhomes.com.

]]> http://jamespr.wordpress.com/2009/06/25/beloved-daddy/feed/ 0 jamespr Kathy_Photos20081127_0156 http://jamespr.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/the-inevitable-path/ http://jamespr.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/the-inevitable-path/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:24:18 +0000 Jim Richardson http://jamespr.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/the-inevitable-path/ Continue reading →]]>

Whenever I walk and there is a path or a walkway I have to shoot it.  It serves no other purpose than to ground my photos that day.  It makes me think of prospective and where I should be pointing the camera.  What line will the eye take when someone looks at it?  Once I have that all figured out then I can shoot in peace.  All the other photos for the rest of the day will be how I want them.  If I can not get this simple photo right then nothing will work out, besides I wonder where all of these paths go. 

Taps is a piece of music that brings a lot to mind.  It is peaceful and yet dynamic.  It gives us a few moments to think about what we are doing when we hear it.  It does not let our mind wonder as the notes play across the field. 

We jump when the guns or cannon goes off.  It is our job to remember our veterans, to lengthen as long as possible their time of death to the time those of us who live actually forget who they are.

Memorial Day has special meaning to many.  Here is the serious face of a small child with his hand over his heart.  I could not resist the shot.  As a photographer I sometimes exempt myself from the duties of a citizen, like hand over heart and standing at attention.    Especially when I see patriotic training and forbearance has taken over and has been taught to our young people.  These are the people of the future. 

This place is gone now.  I had been going there since the late sixties.  My parents took me there for breakfast, I took my kids and eventually I took my grandchildren.  The food, the service, and the prices were always right.    We sat and talked about family things and of course about the many festivals in town.   It was a place where you could pause and appreciate each other.   It is part of my journey now as it joins the other things I grew up with and have watched pass into time.    Funny, I took the photo knowing it would be added to the list of deleted.  It worked too well.    Sadly, the city thought it needed a “better” downtown and the Baker Hotel bought out the Manor House during the downtown revitalization project. 

The owners have relocated to South Elgin and I go there from time to time but the memories are here.  Breakfast as we watched the Fox River, is it high this time or is it low.   All the time it just flows past this spot generation to generation.   With or without a restaurant to view it from. 

To get out and walk around after a day in the house.  Sometimes I just have to take the photo to get it out of my system.  The fresh air is great and the coldness of a beginning spring is great for my lungs.  This spring does not seem to be bringing too much newness just a little darkness almost like fall.  

It is always a rule to carry a camera at all times no matter how inconvenient it is.  Not a stunning place, but one that will bring back fond memories for me.  The entire family out for a walk and not really being aware of our surroundings this wonderful sunset comes along.  As I looked up I notice that several photographers has gathered to take the shot. I shuttered that I did not have a camera and then I remembered my Leica DLUX 4.  I had it ready to shoot and using the program mode I was able to capture this shot.  It capped off a perfect afternoon.  No stress, or mess, just fun and time.   

In the dark and January winter the trees stand silently as the snow covers their branches and all of the ground around them.  Few people visit them at this time.  Year after year they are there, day after day.  If it is your favorite spot to picnic you hardly notice from year to year as the trees grow and experience natures seasons.  Sometimes you hardly notice they are there except when you need shelter or shade.  The paths you walk on through the woods are covered with the snow.  They will be here for a long time, maybe you will take your grandchildren to share. 

These are the cold bare days of winter.  I love them, the colors are perfect and the air crystal clear.  I can see better definition during these days.  Once you look through natures camouflage and become one with it you can see things not normally seen.  How well does God do?  It is perfect and quiet.  It is a privilege to be able to see this.  To many, it is just weeds and snow.  Look and see what you can see.  BTW this is one of my first photos with my Leica DLUX 4.  What a great camera.