James “Tex” Windsor Richardson

Tex was my second roommate in the fall of 1967. He was a towering individual in so many ways; he was nearly seven feet tall with generous heart unlike I had ever known (or since) … a truly kind and gentle giant. While most saw him as a target for free smokes or a loan they would never repay, he never allowed the abuse to compromise his ever cheerful persona. But if you were lucky enough to become his friend, as I did through our years at Windsor and after graduation, he was always someone you could count on for a supportive guidance, or when you just wanted someone to talk too. After graduating in 1970, Tex went back to Tyler to start “The Philosopher’s Stone” a gemstone and jewelry company, and he would later convince his grandmother to back him in starting PATH, and together they funded assistance to thousands of poor and needy people. See his obit below: 

James Windsor Richardson died Monday, May 5, 2008. He was born June 5, 1951, in Tyler, Texas, to the late Gertrude Anne and Will Mann Richardson. He was the grandson of Mrs. W.C. Windsor, founder of the philanthropic organization P.A.T.H (People Attempting to Help). James was a graduate of the Windsor Mountain School and attended Tyler Junior College. He designed and donated the beautiful Crown of Roses, which is on permanent display at the Tyler Rose Museum. He is survived by siblings, Trudy Richardson of Tyler, Bill Richardson of Sherman, and John and Martha Richardson of Dallas.

James’ grave marker is inscribed, “He heard a different drummer.”