With great sadness, we announce the passing of James Richards.
James passed away on July 6.
James was born, and educated in London, England, receiving his B.Sc from the University of London in 1963 – the year he and Pamela were married.
For some years he worked in the laboratory of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.
In 1970 he came to South Africa, having signed a two-year contract with the CSIR in Pretoria, and worked for the Air Pollution Research Institute.
James moved to the former Witbank in 1978
James accepted the post of chief chemist with SA Cyanamid, and the family moved (albeit a bit hesitantly) to the former Witbank.
He was appointed plant manager in 1990, and in 1995 the company was sold to Polifin, which, in turn, became fully owned by Sasol.
The company closed in 2003, and James retired.
Behind the scenes
In the meantime, he had been busy. He was inducted into the Rotary Club of Coalfields in 1990, was president during 1994/95, and presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2005 for service above self. During his term as president, he presented Witbank Probus with its charter.
He was president of the Witbank Chamber of Commerce & Industry during 1998/99, and chairman of the Witbank SPCA from 2009 to 2001.
For many years he was actively involved with the Witbank Child Welfare Society, but very quietly.
James leaves his wife, Pamela, their two daughters, Sara and Laël, and grandson, Ethan.
He will be greatly missed by many people.
A memorial service will be held at 11.00 on Friday, July 26, at St Margaret’s Anglican Church Hall in Woltemade Street.
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