SBTC DR Director Jim Richardson retires

PARADISE, Texas — Jim Richardson, who arrived in Texas in May 2006 in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita to become the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention director of disaster relief (DR), announced his retirement from the position effective Dec. 31, 2014.

Richardson, former director of Georgia Baptist Convention DR, expressed appreciation to SBTC leadership and the DR volunteers with whom he served, calling the latter the “true heroes.”

“It has been my privilege to work with the DR volunteers at the SBTC—people who are committed to DR ministry. I appreciate the leadership of the SBTC who backed me up and allowed me to do the things I needed to do,” Richardson told the TEXAN.

In a letter announcing his retirement, Richardson expressed appreciation to DR task force directors, unit directors, team leaders and “yellow shirts” (DR volunteers) for their sacrificial service.

During Richardson’s tenure as SBTC DR director, the ministry grew significantly.

“Our first order of business was to develop leadership, put units together and train volunteers,” Richardson recalled. “Now we have close to 3,000 volunteers, 40 units and a very active leadership task force.”

In 2006, SBTC DR efforts focused primarily on clean up, recovery and feeding. Under Richardson’s leadership, the ministry expanded to include childcare, communications, water purification, shower/laundry, operations, assessments and chaplaincy. SBTC DR training sessions increased to six per year by 2014.

In addition to his work with SBTC and Georgia Baptist DR, Richardson served on the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief roundtable and the SBDR Region 3 steering committee, opportunities for which he expressed appreciation in the letter announcing his retirement.

Richardson’s wife, Frances, died in October after battling brain cancer. Richardson plans to relocate to Central Florida to be closer to family.