Rosemary James

Rosemary Jan (Richmond) James, 85, peacefully entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

She was born on March 14, 1940, in Waldron, AR, the oldest child and only daughter of the late Burl Richmond and Freddie Mae (House) Richmond. Rosemary often shared fond and engaging stories of caring for her three younger brothers, Leon, Eugene, and Lanny.

After graduating from Waldron High School, Rosemary moved to Wichita, KS, where she worked in the personnel department at Boeing. There she met Samuel Edwin James of Newlin, TX, and the two were married in 1962. In 1963, Sam began working for IBM’s NASA space program and the young couple relocated to Houston, TX. Over the next 25 years, Sam’s career spanned the Apollo missions, Mission Control, the Shuttle, and International Space Station. Behind the scenes of America’s space history, Rosemary carried the daily responsibilities of quietly raising three children during Sam’s long hours and high-stakes missions. Sam often described Rosemary as “the wind beneath his wings” during this historic and often challenging time.

In 1987, following Sam’s retirement from IBM, the James family moved to their farm in Waldron, AR. They were selected as the Scott County and Western District Farm Family of the Year. After Sam passed away in 2007, Rosemary managed the ranch for nine more years, continuing the work they had built together.

Rosemary is survived by her son, Jonathan Edwin JamesOu and wife Meimei of Sugar Land, TX; daughter Karen Vanette James of Austin, TX; daughter Natalie Joelle Ehler-James and husband Jason Ehler of Waldron, AR; and Brunetta Richmond-Slaten (formally married to late brother Leon Richmond). Rosemary had eleven grandchildren who she adored—Jazmine, Brianna, Lulu, Liangston, Jaden, Jordan, Julian, Sam Colt, Jett, Avery, and River—and two great-grandchildren, Ender and Wyatt. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents Burl Richmond and Freddie Mae (House) Richmond and brothers Clyde Leon Richmond, Eugene Richmond, and Lanny Richmond; nephew Toby James; and nieces Lita Estelle Kelley, Brauna Rose Richmond-King, and Chandra Richmond.

First and foremost, Rosemary’s greatest passion was studying Scripture and serving God. She was a devoted member of the Church of Christ throughout her life. She taught Ladies’ Bible Class, did outreach for World Bible School, served as an Elder’s wife across three congregations, and quietly gave service to those in need. She was a published poet, excellent cook, and a skilled gardener who cultivated both lush flowers and abundant vegetables. She painted in oils, created macramé, and often created handmade gifts for children. She will be lovingly remembered for her steadfast faith and devotion to her family.

Public visitation will be held in Waldron, AR at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9AM, followed by funeral services at 10AM. Graveside services will then follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at the Greenridge Community.

Pallbearers: Jason Ehler, Sam Ehler, Jett Ehler, Scott (Rowdy) Richmond, Landon Richmond II, Danny Richmond

Honorary Pallbearers: Liangston JamesOu, Lulu JamesOu, Dakota Jaden Clark-James, Jordan Clark-James, Julian Clark-James, Sammie King, Joe Richmond, Victor Richmond, Jackie Richmond, and Danny Richmond II.  Minister—James King, nephew; Music—Michelle King.