Eugene Gordon (Jim) “Freckles” Richards was born on April 30, 1928 in Sims, Montana, to Mabel Sutton and Byrd Richards. (He hated his name by the way, and preferred to be called Jim or Freckles.) Freckles was not just a man born in Montana, he was a different man to so many people. He was Freck the Wreck, the Song and Dance Man; he was the loyal friend, supportive uncle, and a loving father, loving son, loving brother and loving partner. He never had a bad word for anybody. He had a one-liner for everything, he was a practical joker, an awesome joke teller and he was a master of quick wit. He always said you had to grasp the opportunity or it would be gone forever.
Dad was a hard worker and had a lot of different jobs. He use to sell newspapers on Main Street when he was a child, was a bag man for Big Dorothy’s, bartended, entrepreneur, but mostly he was a skilled carpet installer. He was a simple and modest man. He loved his family, friends and his dogs. He was part of the “Rat Pack” of Main Street (Bill O’Toole, John Marshall, and PeeWee Eathorne). Dad had a special gift, in that he would make any person he met feel like they were the most special person on earth. Everyone loved Freckles and he loved everyone right back. Dad served his country in WWII and was very proud of his military service.
Freckles passed away at the VA Hospital on May 24, 2013 with his devoted family around him. It was hard to see that special twinkling spark in those brown eyes fade away, but it was part of the dance and we would not have missed it for the world. Dad’s last wish was for us to celebrate his life. He said he had no regrets as he lived a great life and did things most men dreamed about.
Freckles was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Byron and Wayne; his sisters, Vera (John) Stanich and Audrey (Howard) Kathan; his nieces, DeeDee (Billie) Mills, Sue and Carol Murray; nephews, Jimmy, Jerry, and Jackie Richards, Johnny Paul, and Jay Richards; brother’s in laws, John Stanich, Howard Kathan; his close friends, Larry Torgerson, Bill Anders, Mick McCarty, John Marshall, Bill O’Toole, PeeWee Eathorne, just to name a few.
He is survived by his loving partner, Donna Hanna (her children, Tim, Jeff, and Randy McDowell, Ginger Knaff, Melissa Tucker and their families. His three devoted daughters, Debby (Kurt) Flansaas, Janie (Tim) Evanson, and Kim (Jeremy) Wollitz; his nieces Kathy Kathan, Nancy Mills, and Shirley (Bob) Johnson, with whom he had a very special love for, and his nephews, Steven Mills, Danny, Doug (Laurie) Richards and Tim Kathan; his grandchildren; Shane and Lance Flansaas, Dondi (Dylan) Lish, Shane (Brook) Feist, Wes Feist, Cole and Aaron Wollitz, Charlie and Mandy Evanson; step-grandchildren, Lindi (Jason) Mandy, Kelly (Kara) Flansaas; his great grandchildren; Lauryn and Kaleigh; his special friend, Don “Gilly” Gilbreath; and his furry partners in crime, Tucker and Abbey.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A memorial service will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, May 31st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will take place following the memorial service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will be held following the burial at the Eagle’s Lodge, 801 N. Free Street. Memorials in Freckles’ name are suggested Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to the Lewis & Clark Veterans Council, c/o Dennis Streeter, 1272 Lucchese Rd., Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 30, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday May 31, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Friday May 31, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday May 31, 2013
Eagle's Lodge
801 N. Fee Street
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 30, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday May 31, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the memorial service
Friday May 31, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Friday May 31, 2013
Eagle's Lodge
801 N. Fee Street
Helena, MT 59601
Share
Allen Stenhjem says
Ambassador,mentor,entertainer,father,husband,grandfather,mixoligist,comic,winner,looser,story teller, Godfather of the Gulch , friend . God Bless,
Sharon L. Nelson says
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy are with all of you at this time of sorrow.
Fred and Judy Bakke says
We are sorry for you loss. Freckles was a stand up or sit down comic . What a pleasure to know, I hope the carpet layers find someone to tell them his know how. He always said ” Fuzzy side up”, He will be missed he always made me laugh. Gone but never forgotten. God bless him.
Jeff and Diane Pedersen says
Donna and families:
We were so sorry to learn that Freckles passed away. We will miss his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. May God Bless you all at this difficult time.
Jeff and Diane Pedersen
Rosie Kroll says
“Freckles” was a friendly, hard working, and all around guy to be with. He loved to camp, and talk about old times. He will be missed by all who knew him. and I think everyone met at one time or other. God bless him and his family.
Evy Burris Sass says
“Freckles” lived a life that was full, and traveled each & every highway, and more, much more that this, he did it His Way. Freckles loved, he laughed & joked & said the things he truly felt and may I say, not in a shy way, and through it all, yes, he did it His Way. Freckles will truly be missed by all his friends & family & loved ones. My son Kirk also sends his condolences. God Bless
Rick Cottingham says
I met freckles in 1958 delivering the Montaa Standard early mornings on Main St. He was about as good a frined as anyone could ever have asked for. Kris Kristoferson cameoed Freckles in “The Pigrim”.
“…………… if this world keeps right on turnin’ for the better or the worse,
And all he ever gets is older and around
From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse,
The goin’ up was worth the comin’ down
We’ll all miss Freckles, there were no others like him. He was a good man. That man was a party going somehwere to happen. God bless him!
Shannon Bright-Meyer says
To Freckles Family, I am so sorry to learn of Freckles passing, he always brought a smile to my face whenever I saw him and I aways made it a point to say hi to him, I will miss him. I hope him and my mom and dad are hitting it big in heaven right now on a never losing keno machine and telling each other jokes. God Bless you all
Tim Kathan says
Uncle Jim, I remember many times growing up with you camping and teaching me to lay carpet. I had many good memories with you and will miss you. We still think of you and our times together. To the family, I am sorry for your loss and I know he will be missed. Love Kathy, Brandon, Amanda, and Tim. The Kathan family.
Mary Root says
Debby and family we were sorry to learn of your loss. Since I’ve got to know you I most looked forward to the stories you would tell about your dad. Remember the good times and cherish those memories.
Mike & Mary Root & Family
Kathy Kathan says
Uncle Jim,
Thank you for all the fond memories and for being such a wonderful, caring uncle (and for playing Santa Clause for all of us so many times. We truly had so many fun times together . May God bless you.
Kathy Kathan
Scott Lockwood says
I got to know Freckles 40 years ago when my Mom, Thelma McCarty married Mick McCarty. They got married in Missoula so as to avoid the usual suspects (Dutch, O’Toole, Pee Wee etc.) from amking a scene but they couldn’t keep Freckles away. He was best man and Vivian “Blondie” Hull was the Maid of Honor. From then on my life was changed! Whenever I rubbed elbows with Freckles whether it be at a fish fry at Mom’s or at the Western Bar, he was quick with a smile and always had a story or two. Sure he laid pleanty of carpet for me as well but it is his infectious smile and charm that I will always remember. I am so glad I got to know him. I am sure his family misses him terribly but realizes how lucky they are to have had him with us for so many years!
Penney Eathorne Sey says
Debby and Family:
I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. For all these many, many years, I never knew he had a first name or a last name, he was “Freckles” and everyone knew who you were talking about. He had such a gift, yes a wonderful gift of gab too but he had that very special, unique gift that made people laugh. I spent many a Saturday afternoon at the Rialto visting Dad and most often, Freckles would show up and the “floor show” began. Whenever those two got together, I would have tears running down my cheeks because I laughed so hard. They were quite the pair. I can well imagine that Heaven hasn’t had a moment’s peace. Thank you for remembering my Dad along side your Dad. Freckles was one of a kind, one in a million and this world is much sadder without him. May God Bless you and keep you in his loving heart.
Love, Penney Eathorne Sey
Marsha Baumeister says
One of Freckles’ best friends was Mick McCarty, my brother Scott”s & my stepfather. When mom married Mick, he began bringing his buddies home for holiday meals and our house was a heck of a lot of fun on those occasions, thanks to Freckles and PeeWee and Dutch and that crazy gang. I was in college in those years and Freckles got a big kick out of teasing me and saying he wanted a peck on the cheek which ended up being on my lips! He brought so much spark and laughter to all around him.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Claudia E. Thomas says
I remember not only the amazing job he did installing linoleum in my home 20+ years ago, but his kind and loving nature. I first met Freckles 35 years ago and one of the things I remember him saying to me (I was pregnant at the time), was to give a kiss to our children on their forehead every night, even when they were sleeping, and whisper that you love them.
Debby & Kurt … please know I have never forgotten you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during your time of grieving … and may comfort surround you knowing you will all be reunited one day in the arms of God.
Claudia
bill marshall says
Great picture, says a thousand words. Blessed to have had freck as a part of our family. Gave him a big hug last time we met. He is finally togeather, once again, with bill, pee wee, and my dad. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Ed McKnight says
One of the most unforgettable people I ever met; with the added bonus,… he was also a good friend.
I remember the in-flight spanish lessons enroute to Mexico City; “uno, twono, threeno” and, on the fourth one, you really got creative, in that special Freckles sort of way. I really loved how you mimed your occupation to those corupt mexican immigration guys. What a class act you were!
Via con Dios, amigo.
Jessica Johnston says
Freckles was a good man. Sending my love to his family
Linda (Richards) Curdy says
I really don’t know where to start. When I met Jerry, it seemed like Freckles was a main part of his life. He was a mentor to all three brothers, Jimmy, Jackie and Jerry. He was the one that was always there for them, teaching them all that he knew. He was their uncle, friend, boss, and the one they could always go to for whatever their needs were. I found him to be the most fun loving and caring person I’ve ever met. Debbie, Janie, and Kim, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to loose someone you really love, it’s not easy. If there is anything I can do to help with anything, please let me know. I’m sorry for not being there for the memorial service, but I just found out about his death. Love to all the Richards, Linda, Scott and David
Don and Patty Whitney says
Dear Donna, Debbie, and families, It is with a sad heart that we learned yesterday that our dear friend, Freckles, had died. It is, however, with a happy heart that we realize how lucky and how blessed we were to have met him when we first moved to Helena from Korea in 1990. Freckles and Gilly were two of the first people we met and we have had the pleasure of spending many, many hours with Freckles talking politics, listening to his recounting of life in old historic Helena, bantering with Gilly, and being entertained with Freckle’s jokes and stories. The twinkle in his eyes and his friendly laugh will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. I regret SO MUCH not seeing him again before we moved (for the next year) to Phoenix in late May and we certainly would have been at the memorial if we had known. It is amazing that we learned of his death yesterday on the internet and then Debbie called a few hours later to tell us as I was intending to call you both today. Realize that while Freckles was an amazing person, he so loved and appreciated his extended family and told me so many times how appreciative he was for your love and friendship, and for his life in general. You two are amazing women and you played a big part in making his life what it was. In my years in Helena I often asked people if they knew Freckles and most did and no one had anything but a smile on their face as they spoke of him. What a legacy he left and what a legacy you have. We love you, Don, Patty, and the kids. (6/19/13)