Jess Laverne Richardson

Jess L. Richardson, 76, passed away April 26, 2025, in Nampa, Idaho, from congestive heart failure. He was born on August 22, 1948, in Rigby, Idaho, to Verl Richardson and Lillian Bingham Richardson. He grew up in Idaho Falls and Ammon, attending Ammon Elementary and Junior High and Bonneville High School. In 1969 he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served honorably. His career in banking and finance took him to Sun Valley, Caldwell, and Nampa, all in Idaho; to Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Sacramento, California; and Portland, Oregon. After retiring five years ago, he decided to move closer to his Idaho roots and relocated to Middleton, Idaho.

Two beautiful children were born to Jess and his second wife, Barbara. They are Mark A. Richardson and Ryan J. Richardson, both of Santa Barbara. He was also blessed with a bonus daughter, Melissa Larson-Hughes, of Vancouver, Washington, and eight grandchildren. Jess cherished his family above all else.

Jess enjoyed playing guitar and owned a dozen or more. He was also a gifted songwriter. He loved regaling family and friends with his musical talents. Jess also loved to camp, ride 4-wheelers, travel, and host yearly backyard concerts and horseshoe tournaments for 70 or 80 of his closest friends and family.

Jess found sobriety from drugs and alcohol in 1997, having 10,431 days sober at the time of his passing. He attended AA faithfully and worked its program daily. He has assisted many, many people through his generosity, caring, and strength. Jess was a man of unblemished character. He was very loved and will be deeply missed.

Jess is survived by his three children, Mark, Ryan, and Melissa; his grandchildren, Arlie, Abby, Lily, William, Troy, Cory, Stirling, and Oliver; sister Barbra Andersen; brother Mike (Pam) Richardson; three nieces; and one nephew.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents, Verl and Lillian Richardson, his brother, William Steven Richardson, and two nephews, Eric Richardson and Travis Andersen.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lewisville Cemetery, Lewisville, Idaho.

A celebration of Jess’s life will be held in Portland, Oregon, at a later date.