Richard Lee James of Collinsville, Ill., died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011, of heart disease.



He was born in Anna, Ill. He attended and graduated from Anna and Nashville High



Schools. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany.



He was preceded in death by his son, Charles James; and brothers, Clyde, Lyn, Sam, Lee and Ronnie.



Surviving are his children, Rick Jr. and Belinda, both of Baton Rogue, La.; a brother, Adrian of Texas; and numerous other family members.



Richard will truly be missed by "K", his true friend and long time companion.



A special thank you to Belleville Memorial Hospital, the staff at Caseyville Nursing Home, the jockeys and especially the horsemen at Fairmount Park Race Track.



Funeral: A Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at Fairmount Park Paddock. Cremation by Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.