James Richard Christian
James Richard Christian, of Ruston, beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the age of 64, after a sudden illness.
Born May 22, 1957, in Washington, Missouri, James “Dick” was the son of Dr. James Alexander and Charlotte Christian. He was a 1975 graduate of Ruston High School and earned the honor of Eagle Scout.
He attended Louisiana Tech University and earned his degree in Microbiology, in 1979. He made countless lifelong friends as a member of the Zeta Chi Chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. There he also met his beautiful, intelligent wife, LeMoyne.
Dick began his career and love of medical sales quickly after graduation. He first started working in a lab, but quickly learned he needed a career that he could talk face-to-face with people. Dick loved to be a salesman. He never met a stranger.
Dick’s later years were filled with numerous travels to the Lake House, fishing, lap swimming, racquetball, and shirts and skins pick-up basketball games. Fairly recently, he enjoyed selling again for the Lincoln Parish Journal. He was loved by all. He was a proud, energetic grandfather who found joy in every sporting event, the best “crazy” driver of the golf cart at the lake, fishing buddy, playing magic tricks and playmate on the basketball court.
He loved his grandbabies. He will be greatly missed. Big Dad was larger than life.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 39 years, LeMoyne Martin Christian; sons Joe Peddy (Sherry), Richard Christian, daughters Laurie Robinson (Jeff), Elizabeth Grisso (Paul), Allyson Christian (Morgan); grandchildren, Jacob Robbins, Laney Robbins Owen Robinson, Joshua Robbins, Jack Robbins, Blake Robinson, Annie Grisso, James Burke Grisso, Mary Margaret Grisso and Chase Peddy; mother, Charlotte Christian; siblings, Gary Christian (Meredith), Susan Norred (Sonny) and John Christian; sister in law, Theresa Christian, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James Alexander Christian and his daughter Mary Catherine Christian.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church in the Burkhalter Chapel, in Ruston. A service officiated by Rev. Doug De Graffenried will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Burkhalter Chapel and immediately following will be a graveside service and burial at the Cook Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ray Angle, Randy Branch, Dr. Jeb Butler, Dr. Andy Calhoun, Steve Porter and Lt. Col. Tom Taylor (USAF Ret.).
Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jacob, Joshua, Jack, James Burke and Chase.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to Tunnel of Towers Foundation or the charity of your choice.
