Major James (Jim) W. Richardson, (USAF, retired), 73, passed away peacefully at home in Madison, WI, on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, after a courageous 3-year battle with cancer.

Jim was born to Reginald and Alvina (Sanden) Richardson on September 23, 1943, in Minot, ND and moved with his family to the west coast in 1944. He graduated from Clovis (CA) High School in 1961, UC-Berkeley in 1965 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force where he served with distinction for 20 years. During Jim's career in the United States Air Force Security Services (USAFSS), he served in many places around the world and was awarded numerous honors for his work in Air Force intelligence, ultimately attaining the rank of major and concluding his military career at the Pentagon.

Jim had multiple interests including current events, military history, football, crossword puzzles, reading, trapshooting, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Paulson)Tweten, Madison, WI; his daughter, Kristina Richardson, Fresno, CA; stepdaughters, Karen Tweten, Madison, WI, and Rachel (Robert) Luckow, New Prague MN, four granddaughters, Jewel and Caitlyn Luckow, and Chloe and Lia Tweten, his sister Connie (Jim) Frank, Fresno, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Perry and Bruce and their wives.

We are thankful to his medical team at UW Hospital, Dr. Leal, Dr. Vogt, and Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care of Jim.

Memorials preferred to the USO organization (uso.org). Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND with online condolences at www.hertzfuneralhomes.com.
Memorial services with military honors will be at Gunderson Funeral Home, 7435 University Avenue , Middleton, WI on Monday, December 26, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Persilla Watts Cemetery of Rugby, ND at a later date