James D. "Smoke" Richards

James D. "Smoke" Richards, 68, of Greencastle died on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009.

He was born on April 14, 1940 in Greencastle to Stuart N. Richards and V. Imogene Williams Richards. He served his country in the United States Air Force. He was an owner of Richards Insurance Agency.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Jean Richards; a brother, Bill Richards and wife Dorothy of Greencastle; three children, Michael Richards of Greencastle, Brian Richards and wife Beth of Indianapolis and Greg Richards and wife Annette of Franklin; an aunt, Mary Ann Frye of Sarasota, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Beryl Blessing and husband Bill; five grandchildren, James, Julia, Jacob, Tyler and Jenny; nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, with Rev. Paul Champion officiating. Burial with honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials in Smoke's memory may be made to the Putnam County Community Foundation. Condolences may be emailed to the family care of inbth@keymemories.com