James Renan Richmond, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and respected member of the McComb, Mississippi community, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the age of 90. Renan's life was a testament of faith, service, and dedication to others, but more importantly, Jesus Christ. He was born on July 21, 1934, in Tylertown, Mississippi, to Wesley Earl Richmond and Arnetta Strickland Richmond, both of Magnolia, Mississippi.

From a young age, Renan knew that his future would be intertwined with Jane Travis of Magnolia. He often spoke fondly of the day he first saw her in middle school, when he just knew she would one day be his wife. Renan and Jane began dating in high school, and their love story continued to flourish after graduation. The high school sweethearts married in 1959, and their bond remained unbreakable throughout their 65 years of marriage. Many have admired their adoration and commitment to one another.

Renan was raised in Magnolia alongside his twin brother, Donald Earl Richmond, and sister, Joyce Richmond Culotta. A proud graduate of Magnolia High School in 1952, he was an outstanding student and served as president of the senior class. He was awarded band scholarships from Southeastern Louisiana University and Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in industrial management in 1956. At Mississippi State, Renan was an active member of the Famous Maroon Band, the Commerce Cabinet, and the Delta Sigma Pi professional fraternity. He was also Vice President and pledge trainer for the Alpha Tau Omega social fraternity.

A lifelong learner, Renan later earned a master's degree in management from the University of Southern Mississippi. His professional career spanned a wide range of fields, from technology to healthcare administration. He began his career as a Civilian Air Force employee in Mobile, Alabama, working on the UNIVAC 001, one of the first computers. Renan was honored with the Mark Bradley Award for Excellence in recycling $26 million of excess materials for government use. He also served in the US Army and the Mississippi National Guard before working for Chrysler's Space Division, contributing to the NASA Saturn S1B space program.

Renan's work in education and technology was groundbreaking. In 1966, he returned to Pike County, where he developed an educational data processing center for many Mississippi school districts including McComb public schools, creating programs still in use today. He also pioneered the first rural computer-assisted instruction program for elementary students, a project that brought recognition from National Geographic and other national publications.

In 1972, Renan began his career in healthcare administration, taking on the role of assistant administrator at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, where he worked for 27 years. After retiring, he continued his service as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2021, including a term as Board Chairman from 2007 to 2020. In 2021, Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center recognized Renan's outstanding service by naming the James Renan Richmond Board Room in his honor, ensuring his decades of leadership and dedication would be remembered for years to come. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Renan was honored as the Mississippi Hospital Association's Distinguished Trustee of the Year in 2015, celebrating his exceptional achievements, leadership, and influence. In 1995, the Healthcare Financial Management Association awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award, and he also received the Founders Medal of Honor and Merit Award from the same organization. Additionally, Renan's dedication to healthcare and service extended to his appointment by Governor Haley Barbour to the State Veterans Affairs Board, where he played a key role in establishing Mississippi's first Veterans Cemetery.

Renan's community service was unparalleled. Known as "Mr. Election" in Pike County, he dedicated 35 years to managing the computerized vote-counting process. He was the recipient of the Service Above Self Award from the McComb Rotary Club in 1999 and was named Azalea King by the McComb Junior Auxiliary in 1998 for his longstanding involvement in the community. He was also past president and general chairman for United Way in McComb.

Throughout his life, Renan was a committed member of Centenary United Methodist Church in McComb, where he was an active leader for nearly 60 years. His service included chairing numerous committees, such as the church's council on ministries and its budget drive, which he was instrumental in securing approval for the church's renovation. He and Jane were members of the chancel choir for 40 years. A proud Eagle Scout, Renan also served as a scoutmaster and member of the Centenary Men's Club troop committee. He was deeply involved in the McComb community, including leadership roles with the McComb Noon Lions Club, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, and the Pike County Relay for Life. He also served as president of the Pike County Arts Council and was a mentor to local students.

The family wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary care and devotion shown to Renan and Jane by The Claiborne of McComb administration and staff.

Renan is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jane Travis Richmond, of McComb; their three children, Renee' Richmond Stein (late Randy Stein) of Hattiesburg, Jim Richmond (Jennifer Wiltshire Richmond) of Madison, and Stacey Richmond Bates (Louis Bates) of Summit; his six grandchildren, Morgan Stein (Katherine Shields) of Denver, Victoria Stein of Jackson, Miller Richmond (Alex Martin Richmond) of Washington, D.C., Courtney Bates Richard (Sam Richard) of McComb, Marion Richmond (Jack Treadway) of Madison, and Caroline Bates Warren (Fisher Warren) of Wesson; his five treasured great grandchildren, Lynleigh Jane Richard, Eliza James Warren, William Travis Warren, Margaret Estelle Richmond, and Lohman Louis Richard; countless nieces and nephews; and his beloved furry companion, Chloe. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnetta Strickland Richmond and Wesley Earl Richmond; his sister, Joyce Richmond Culotta; his twin brother, Donald Earl Richmond; his son-in-law, Randy Joseph Stein; several cousins and in-laws.

Renan's life will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his profound impact on his family and community, and his deep commitment to making the world a better place for others. He was a man of integrity, service, and love, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Renan Richmond's visitation will be Monday, March 10, from 9:00-11:00 am at Centenary United Methodist Church with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. A graveside service at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb will follow immediately. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers are Sean Doyle, John Dale Dumas, Darren Felder, David Fischer, Heath Hughes, Pender Johnson, Charlie Lewis, and Larry McDaniel. Honorary Pallbearers are Bennie Ashley, Charles Dunagin, Gary Felder, Shelton Little, Norman Price, Sanford Sheffield, and the Breakfast Bunch at J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Renan's memory may be directed to: Centenary United Methodist Church 500 Delaware Avenue | McComb, MS 39648 Southwest MS Regional Medical Center Renan Richmond Memorial 215 Marion Avenue | McComb, MS 39648 Junior Auxiliary of McComb PO Box 111 | McComb, MS 39649