James "Jimi" Richards III's Obituary
James "Jimi" Richards III, age 32 of Lewes, DE passed away at home on Sunday, August 6, 2023.He was born on August 18, 1990, in Carlisle, PA, son of James and Barbara A. (Brown) Richards.
Jimi moved to Lewes DE from Hillsborough, NJ in 1999. He was enrolled into the Cape School system 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 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 NJ 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 Saint Jude’s 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's 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 2500 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 and closest cousin Chelsea; his beloved pet, Kane; and lots of Aunts, Uncles and cousins in PA, NJ, FL, NC, and CA.
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 sole and would help and care for anyone who asked.
Jimi should have been a child of the 60's. 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. Please come and join us.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 2:00 PM.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via live streaming by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11112956/LTWebcast
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jimi's memory to Cape Henlopen Music Boosters "CHMB", PO Box 413, Nassau, DE 19969. Make sure to include his name.
PS. On August 18th Jimi would have been 33. Please take time and wish him Happy Birthday.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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