Richards, James
Passed: August 17, 2015
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Richards, James
Passed: August 17, 2015
Obituary
James (Jim) Patrick Richards passed away on August 17, 2015 at his home in Buckeye, Arizona. He was born March 30, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois as the first born child to Herbert and Brigid Richards and moved to Tempe, Arizona in 1989. Jim attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1992 with a degree in Broadcasting and Political Science. As a freelance writer, he reported and wrote articles for many high school, junior college, university and professional sports events covered locally by the Tribune Newspapers and AccessArizona.com. He was a Los Angeles Bureau beat writer covering the Anaheim Angels Spring Training camp in Tempe for 17+ years as well as a freelance writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune and the Tucson Daily Star. In addition to umpiring softball games for the City of Tempe Recreation Department, Jim was a professional score keeper for Minor League Baseball, Arizona League, for 17 years covering the Mariners, Padres, Diamondbacks, Dodgers and most recently, his beloved Chicago White Sox teams. Music was Jim’s second passion. He was an accomplished self-taught keytar player who spent many hours at music jam sessions honing his musical skills and guiding the blossoming local band, Lennon & McJagger. A Beatles trivia aficionado, he created and managed a widely successful on-site chat room dedicated to the study of their talents and impact of their music. Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Brigid, and is survived by his father, Herbert, younger brother Michael and younger sister Noreen, all from Chicago, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 4:30pm on Wednesday August 26th at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear Arizona.
13 responses to Richards, James
A.D. Adams says:
August 26, 2015
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and all who loved him.
I can’t help but picture Jim, right now, with his keytar, and John Lennon, with an acoustic guitar, sitting and jamming.
Rest Peacefully Forever, Jim.
Crystal West says:
August 26, 2015
I will miss Jim tremendously. He was very kind to me always. He knew of my illness but never treated me like I was sick. He always remembered me and had a hug or handshake or scolding when I was down and acting like a girl! He is such a good man and I will miss him. My prayers go to his family and friends and God bless him.
Carla Kruczynski says:
August 26, 2015
I am crushed and shocked by the sudden passing of my dear and close friend Jim. He uplifted my spirits threw some very hard times, and I was there threw a few of his challenges in life also. It’s going to be hard to go to the places we went together. My heart goes out to his family, and friends that are feeling this great lose! I know Jim is at peace and is welcomed with open arms in heaven! Jim RIP I will always miss you!!!
Debra Pendleton says:
August 26, 2015
You were the REAL DEAL my friend. I’ll keep supporting the Sox and the good fight to keep people honest. Just know YOU had an impact on many people. I was happy to be your Tonto.
Kelly Tippett says:
August 27, 2015
RIP Jim.