James E. "Zion" Richardson

To join the livestream of Zion's memorial service, please select the link below. The livestream will begin at 1:55 P.M. Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025. The service broadcast will be archived for 90 days from the date of the service for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1ODU4MjEzNjM4MTU2NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw James E. "Zion" Richardson, age 75 years, a resident of Golconda, Illinois and a former resident of Vienna, passed away Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, at 11:15 A.M. at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana. Zion, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, was born November 12, 1949 at the family home in Vienna, Illinois. He was the son of Robbie and Gladys (Sharp) Richardson. Zion is survived by: his life partner – Angela Pearson of Golconda, Illinois; his sons – Craig Michael Richardson-Burgess of Arnold, Missouri and Derek Shane Richardson of Benton, Illinois; an honorary daughter – Charity Yates of Golconda, Illinois; honorary sons – Niko and Chris; grandsons – Trevor Nathaniel Richardson and Logan Michael Burgess; honorary grandchildren – Conner and Stella; a sister – Darlene Glasford of Anna, Illinois; a brother – Robert “Bobby” (his wife, Elaine) Richardson of Edwardsburg, Michigan; as well as nieces - Michelle Richardson, Melanie Reid, Gena Grey, and Robin Sullivan; other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Zion was preceded in death by a brother-in-law – Ralph Glasford and a niece - Sonya Reinier. Zion attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He was an accomplished musician and could play many musical instruments. Zion is particularly noted for his percussion skills as a drummer. He was the assistant manager at George Jones’ Possum Holler in Harrisburg, Illinois and had also performed with many noted artists, including Jerry Lee Lewis. Additionally, Zion was a time-share salesman at the Canyon Creek Resort in Winters, California. He was an avid outdoorsman. Zion enjoyed fishing and camping and had traveled throughout the country by motorcycle. Zion was of the Christian faith. A memorial service honoring the life of James E. "Zion" Richardson will be conducted Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025, at 2 P.M.at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 P.M. until the service hour at 2 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date in the Gilead Cemetery, near Simpson, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Linda E. White Hospice House, 611 Harriet Street, Evansville, Indiana 47710. Memorial envelopes will be available and donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.

James E. "Zion" Richardson

November 12, 1949 - September 21, 2025