Richard James Palmer

Richard James Palmer, known to his family and friends in Louisiana and Texas as “Jim Bob” passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Lafayette, LA. He was 35 years old.

Richard was born on Monday, November 26, 1990, the youngest child of Vanessa Palmer and Richard Noble. He was a native of Merryville and graduated from Merryville High School, where he was a phenomenal athlete and excelled at basketball and football.

He later moved to DeRidder, LA where he held numerous jobs, including Frazier BCI at Fort Polk, LA, and a caregiver for First Name Basis and Leading Home Care. He loved being a caregiver and enjoyed his clients, some who became his best friends.

Richard also developed a great talent for music and became a great rapper by making beats with a pencil on his desk. He was very passionate about his music. He will be remembered as a very dedicated and hard-working young man. He loved to clown and tell jokes.

He really loved spending time with his family, especially his two children. He was a very devoted father to Aylah and Zander and wanted to make sure they had everything they needed.

Richard leaves to mourn his passing his children, Aylah Mi’ Amor Palmer; son, Zander James Palmer; mother, Vanessa Palmer Myers (John Earl); father, Richard D. Noble; grandmother, Doris F. Seastrunk; sister, Kristal N. Palmer (Akeem); brothers, Kurtis J. Palmer (Kashima), Shawn D. Myers; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harrison “Pookie” Palmer, Ella Mae Lewis (Lee Henry Lewis) and James Noble, Sr.; nephews, Keishawn D. Palmer and Kayden D. Moore.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Pastor Kenneth Seastrunk will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Kurtis Palmer, Edward St. Romain, Jr., Eric Palmer, Jodeci Palmer, Reggie Noble (Junior), Jaylen Brandon, Kadeem Hudson, Roger Palmer, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Gregory Sweet, Jr., Tevon Williams, Nathan Williams, Chris Flemones, Quentin Williams, Roger Palmer, Matthew Vallaire and Darrion Dillard.

Richard “Jim Bob’s” love for his family and the fond memories with his friends will live on forever in our hearts.