James Richards III, loved nature, music
James "Jimi" Richards III, 32, of Lewes, passed away at home Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. He was born Aug. 18, 1990, in Carlisle, Pa., son of James and Barbara A. (Brown) Richards.
Jimi moved to Lewes from Hillsborough, N.J., in 1999. He was enrolled into Cape Henlopen School District and graduated in 2009.
One of our memories of his determination was when he taught himself how to ride a bike by going downhill from our yard through three back yards at Starview Drive, causing multiple black and blue marks up and down his legs. He also became self-taught in drums and guitar.
In fifth grade, he had a drum solo for a music recital and from that point on, he was hooked. His passion for music never waned, and Jimi played throughout his high school years in the drum line for Cape Henlopen High School.
One of his favorite summer camps was Mr. Hatfield’s Rock & Roll Camp, where he played on the stage of Rusty Rudder, Sydney’s and a few other local venues. He continued playing a few venues on his own and participated in as many open mic nights as he could.
As a nature lover, he was a Cub Scout for Troop 66 in Neshanic Station, N.J., and joined Boy Scout Troop One in Lewes, where he met some of his first friends in the Lewes area and was proud to achieve his Eagle Scout award. His Eagle Scout project still remains at the cemetery behind St. Jude Church.
Another fond memory was when Jimi was only 10 years old, put on a server’s apron and tried to serve patrons at Jersey Jim's Brewpub (his father’s restaurant). Food services were not his first choice but worked on his father’s side, to build Casa Amici in Lewes. He was proud of his pizzas. Jimi then followed him to Big Fish commissary and Diamond State Meats, and finally he worked at Nicola Pizza on Route 1.
Recently, he set up a recording studio in his basement, and started to record and post his music and received over 2,500 hits in his first few days. Jimi was excited and excellent, to say the least. He was looking forward to enrolling into a bartending college to become a bartender.
Jimi is survived by his parents, Jim and Barbara Richards; his sister, Cassandra (Jason); his nephews, Levi and Adon; his soul mate, Alexis; closest cousin, Chelsea; his beloved pet, Kane; and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina and California.
How do we celebrate someone's life when they are taken away too early? We gather, meet and talk about their passion, their talent, their laughter, their quirkiness, and their love, while they were with us.
Jimi was a polite and kind soul, and would help and care for anyone who asked.
Jimi should have been a child of the ‘60s. He loved his freedom and danced to the beat of his own drum. He was loved by many, and his presence will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. There is no one quite like him. We hope the world remembers him for his laughter, humor, and musical talent.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via livestream by visiting the following link: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11112956/LTWebcast.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jimi's memory to Cape Henlopen Music Boosters, P.O. Box 413, Nassau, DE 19969. Make sure to include his name.
Jimi would have been 33 Aug. 18; take time and wish him Happy Birthday.
Visit Jimi’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
