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Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

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For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Jesiah Lee Richards, age 29, of East Helena

June 22, 1988 – October 12, 2017

Jesiah’s precious life began June 22, 1988 and ended October 12, 2017.

“I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You. I can only imagine.” 

Jesiah doesn’t have to imagine anymore – he is now face to face with Jesus his Savior and finally at peace.

Peace was elusive for Jesiah and his brain was tired. Yet despite his struggles, he loved people freely, was kind and generous to anyone who needed a hand.  He believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior at a young age and learned to love him as an adult.  He was the first to admit that believing in Jesus didn’t make him perfect – it just made him forgiven.  He knows that he has hurt many people through his life and if he could right now, he would ask you to forgive him.  He never wanted to cause pain.

He would also want you to know and believe in God’s love and gift of salvation, that you, too, would be with God forever in heaven because your sin would be forgiven. He would invite you to the greatest party of all – in heaven forever.

Jesiah lost his battle with addiction and mental illness. You don’t have to.  Please get help.  Celebrate Recovery (CR) – National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) – Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – counseling.  Please honor his life by saving yours. Visit his Facebook page for more information and to leave condolences/words.

Left behind by Jesiah are his puppy, Luna, his parents, Jeff and Colleen Richards, sister, Kathleen Weiler (Sam), brother, Jason Richards (Anna), nephew, Peyton Richards, grandparents, Lee and Sherry Child and Lloyd and Leola Richards, a few prolific aunts and uncles and a bazillion cousins along with a church family who loved him.

A service to honor his life will be held at Helena Valley Faith Center, 708 E. Groschell Ave | East Helena, MT 59635 on Wednesday October 18 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Celebrate Recovery | Helena Valley Faith Center | PO Box 785 | East Helena, MT 59635.

Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jesiah.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday October 18, 2017

Helena Valley Faith Center

708 E. Groschell St.

East Helena, Montana 59635

View map

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday October 18, 2017

Helena Valley Faith Center

708 E. Groschell St.

East Helena, Montana 59635

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Peggy ,And David fine from Jefferson City says

    October 15, 2017 at 9:00 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. He is singing and playing his guitar. Everybody is dancing in heaven. Blessings to all the Richard’s family. Hugs and kisses.

  2. Bert Gailushas says

    October 15, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Dear Pastors Jeff, Colleen and family,
    My deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow for your loss. May our loving Father and our Lord and Savior strengthen and comfort you. May the Holy Spirit enlighten you with the knowledge of the Father in knowing His will. I love you both and was always impressed with your son’s musical talent.

  3. mike Mccrossin says

    October 15, 2017 at 1:23 pm

    Josiah was a kind generous person with a huge heart I can’t believe he’s gone its just crazy how addiction can get a Hold of someone and not let go …every time I seen him he had a smile and made me laugh I only knew him for a short time..and I’m honored to have met him he was unique he had a glow about him rip buddy

  4. Anita Williams says

    October 15, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    We are saddened at the thought of the sorrow you must be enduring. We only knew Jesiah as a sweet little boy, but happy to know he is in the presence of the Lord now. We are praying for your family….
    Bill and Anita

  5. Trinity and Paige says

    October 15, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    I don’t feel I have the words to express how sorry I am that you have had to say goodbye to Jesiah so early in his life. His love for worship will always be what I will remember of him. Listening to my sister and him singing on her recording yesterday made me think of how awesome it must be to sing with the angels. One day we will all get that experience together. But until then, may you find comfort in the thought of him at the foot of the throne enjoying the very presence of our Saviour, with that infectious grin on his face and all the cares of this world behind him. Love you ❤️

  6. Terry and Kathy Everhard says

    October 15, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    Terry and I are praying for you and your family that is part of our God family. Your loss is SO very close to our hearts. Please know we Love you and we are here for you in WHAT EVER YOU may need. Take a walk, cry, pray, scream…..what EVER I can do…God hold you all tightly in his wonderful arms of comfort..

  7. Linda Predmore says

    October 15, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    I was at church a couple of weeks ago and Jesiah and his parents were leading the worship service. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit like never before there was so much joy filling the room. I will Neve forget that day. Memories will forever sustain you and your family forevermore. God be with all of during this time of greiving

  8. John & Cherie Dahl says

    October 15, 2017 at 6:22 pm

    We are sorry about your loss and our prayers are with you at this difficult time! ?❤️

  9. Karen Freiburg says

    October 15, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Jeff and family,am so sorry for your great loss.
    He was a great singer.i enjoyed it lots.
    He is at peace now.

  10. mitch says

    October 15, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    you were so full of joy and made me see the beauty life. in the brief time talked to you, I new you were an angel…rest in his arms

  11. Kristi Gregor says

    October 15, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    Love, Hugs and Prayers

  12. Roxanne Senger says

    October 15, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    Pastor Jeff and Colleen sorry for your loss. I know the hardship of losing a child but remember he is with you guys in spirit and soul. God bless your family love the Seger family.

  13. Jackie Osborne says

    October 15, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    PJ & PC…I wanted to share something precious that my dad shared with me. He told me today that the last time that he saw Jesiah was 2 weeks ago in church. He was actually enjoying Jesiah and PJ jamming on stage and they just seemed to be enjoying each other as they just played…a mixture of jazz and just jamming as if no one was around. My dad loved it…and afterwards Jesiah and my dad just started talking…something that my dad said was rare. Afterwards Jesiah asked my dad for a hug and told my dad that he loved him also something that he hadn’t done before…my dad was touched…I’m glad that he shared such a beautiful memory of Jesiah. Our families are hurting with yours. Love Love

  14. Carol and Steve Athearn says

    October 16, 2017 at 7:36 am

    Words cannot adequately express our sorrow for the loss of your precious son. Please know we are continuing to pray for all of you and hope that with your faith and memories you can move forward it time. Our love to you and one day you will be together again.

  15. Chris Carter says

    October 16, 2017 at 8:12 am

    Pastor Jeff and Colleen I Loved Jessiah so much!!! I am so heart felt SORRY for Your Loss!!! May the Holy Spirit comfort you during this most difficult time……. I Love you and will be praying for you!
    Love in our Lord,

  16. Valerie Armstrong says

    October 16, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I am very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  17. Corlynn Christofferson says

    October 16, 2017 at 11:00 am

    Dear Jeff and Colleen. Norm and I are so sorry that you have lost your precious son. Words cannot bring the comfort you need, but we know that God’s Presence does and the love of friends and family. We love you both!

  18. Maggi Navarro says

    October 16, 2017 at 11:26 am

    Dear dear dear Jeff and Colleen. I never knew my favorite barista was your beautiful boy. There are no words. Know you both and he are in my thoughts and prayers.
    – Maggi and Chloe Navarro

  19. Lynette says

    October 16, 2017 at 2:39 pm

    To the Family of Jesiah, I’m so sad about the death of your loved one.Death is so painful.Jesus talked about death in John 11:11-14. Jesus told us about the hope for all those who die. John 5:28,29. The Resurrection! Just like Jesus raised Lazuras , he will do on a Grand scale for all those who have died. I hope this Hope for the future brings you comfort. My heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved Jesiah.

  20. Brandy Larson says

    October 16, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    My husband and I didn’t know him well but he always made us smile when we went through that coffee stand. He had a nickname for my husband and it was so fu. Hearing them go back and forth. He made my day just a little bit better every time I saw him. I am so sorry for your loss. Even though you are gone I we will never forget you. I am praying for everyone else who has lost such and amazing person.

  21. Kristy Boese says

    October 16, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    I only knew Josiah during our brief visits. He would bring Luna in to visit who did not like my dog Oliver. Josiah lit up the room with his smile and he will be greatly missed. Give Luna a hug. I know she loved him. I am so sorry for your loss. Kristy Boese

  22. Raini Way says

    October 16, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    May God give your family a peace and comfort you cannot explain. And may you never lose the hope of being reunited with Jesiah someday in the presence of Christ.

  23. Jan Duiker8 says

    October 16, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    There was nothing better than walking in the sanctuary on a Saturday night or Sunday morning and seeing that Jesiah was gonna be part of the worship team!

  24. Julie says

    October 16, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    Dearest Jeff, Colleen, Kathleen, and Jason,
    We love you, and we are holding you close in prayer.

    Much love,
    Bill and Julie (Fischer) Patterson

  25. Rachel Donaldson says

    October 17, 2017 at 9:46 am

    P.Jeff and Colleen
    I am so sorry for your loss, I pray for peace and comfort in your time of pain. My heart is hurting for your family. I love you both and am sorry that I won’t be there to celebrate Jesiahs life. He was a great gift from God!

  26. Tutie McCarver says

    October 17, 2017 at 10:52 am

    I met Jesiah over a year and a half ago. From the first time we met, I knew we would become friends, and we did. He always brightened my day when I would get to see him. His smile and his infectious laugh always made for a great day. I will never forget when he got Luna, he brought her by for me to meet her. I will never forget the sparkle in his eyes that day. I will miss him. He was my friend. He will always be in my heart. Prayers to the entire Richards family, and many friends that were profoundly touched by knowing and loving Jesiah.

  27. Darleen Allen says

    October 19, 2017 at 10:05 am

    Dear Jeff, Coleen & family, My heart aches for your loss. The first thing that popped into my mind when I got the news was the time I went to California with you. We sang silly songs!! He was the cutest little guy. And those eyes! Melted my heart! My prayer is that God will bring up lots of good memories that will make you smile & laugh & that will help to heal your sorrow. Love you! Darleen

  28. SY says

    October 20, 2017 at 4:04 am

    My sincere condolences to the Richards family. The bible promise at Isaiah 33:24 that soon no residents will say “I am sick.” Jesiah was sick, but now he has a hope of a future resurrection to life here on a paradise earth, where there will be no more pain, sickness or death. Please read about this wonderful hope at Acts 24:15 ;John 5:28,29 & Revelation 21:3,4 .

  29. karen Houston says

    October 20, 2017 at 11:17 am

    Pastor Jeff, Colleen and family: We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your son. May you find peace in knowing that he is singing and dancing in heaven and feeling no pain. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers. God Bless each and every one of you. Love Karen and Bill Houston

  30. Kevin & June says

    October 21, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Jeff and Colleen and family,
    We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you try to find comfort and peace in this most difficult time in your lives. We know your pain and will continue to pray for you daily. Rest in the Lord and let Him carry you through. He is faithful.

  31. Carla Parker says

    January 24, 2018 at 9:22 pm

    Hi Pastor Jeff and Colleen,
    I’m not sure if you remember me, but I used to go to your church about 14 years ago and I just want you to know I’m praying for you. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your precious son. Please accept my deepest condolences and may the Lord walk you lovingly through this valley with His wisdom, peace and healing.
    Much love,
    Carla Parker

  32. Jared Hatch says

    October 4, 2018 at 5:34 am

    I just found out about this and am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Jesiah for a few months back in 2013 but, as others have said, he always had a smile and seemed to care about those around him. Wish I could have gotten to know him better, he was a great guy.

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Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Wednesday October 18, 2017

Helena Valley Faith Center

708 E. Groschell St.

East Helena, Montana 59635

View map

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