James Richards

The Greatest Generation has lost another member. Veteran of World War II and decorated for valor, seaman second class James "Jim" Richards has been called home by his Lord Jesus after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his son James and his wife Julie, son Chuck and his partner Julie Hess. He is also survived by his grandsons Justin and James III and his wife Hailee, and his great-grandchildren, Tucker and Millie. Jim was born in Grand Island, Nebraska where he went to school, was an avid football and hockey player, and managed a skating rink with friend Ray Johnson. As the war broke out, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific on a number of ships including the escort carrier, USS Rudyard Bay. After the war he rodeoed and rode horses in Southern California where he met his wife of 56 years, Virena (Vi). He worked as a police officer with the Buena Park Police Department and retired from Pacific Telephone and Telegraph (now AT&T). In 1985, Jim and Vi moved to Chico to continue the sheep ranch they had begun with their sons in Chino, California. Besides hunting and fishing in the Sierras around June Lake, one of his greatest joys was serving as Livestock Manager at many county fairs throughout California and Nevada, including the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to Local 4-H clubs, Chico FFA, OR Handi-Riders. Jim was a good man. He will be missed by many.