James Franklin Richards

James, "Jimmy" to all who knew & loved him...was born in Pontiac, Michigan on October 10, 1948 to Vernon & Genevieve "Jennie" Richards...& he grew up in Drayton Plains, Michigan. Jimmy, was a 1966 graduate of Waterford Kettering High School where he played trumpet in the High School Marching Band. In 1968 he was drafted into the United States Army & stationed in Vietnam where he served as a Field Communication Radio Operator/Lineman. For his service to his country... Jim received The National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, & the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his service in Vietnam ended he returned to Michigan...but, ultimately, moved to Colorado where he has lived since the early 70s. He was a Carpenter, by trade, & specialized in Custom built homes. He had the privilege to work on The Aspen Lodge & The Stanley Hotel both in Colorado. He loved working with his hands & creating things of beauty.

In 1992 Jim married the love of his life... a Michigan girl named Terri...they, ultimately, settled in Johnston, Colorado...and have lived many wonderful years together.

Jimmy had many passions & interests...he loved the outdoors...if it involved camping or campfires...he was a happy man. He enjoyed trying his luck by panning for gold...but, one of his favorite past times was feeding the little critters that would come into his yard...whether it was birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bunnies, & the like...all the animals knew they would be well fed in Jimmy's yard...and he enjoyed every moment of it. He had a soft spot for all animals...but, especially, dogs. He had many loyal & loving dogs thru-out the years. One dog in particular, a dog named Buddy, traveled many miles & found his way home to Jimmy after being lost for about a year & the news of it made the local paper.

His pride & joy was a classic car he bought after Vietnam...a 1953 Pontiac Cheiftian...that was lovingly called "Sha-na-na".

Also, growing up with a Polish Mother & Aunts...his love for any kind of Polish food was strong...Kielbasa, Pierogis, Golumpki, & especially Kishka. There was nothing better than those homemade Polish dishes!!

Jimmy had a quiet nature about him...he had a loving & caring heart. He told much with his eyes...when he smiled they would shine...there was a twinkle & mirth behind them...and his laugh...it was, distinctly, all his own...& you knew it the moment you heard it.

Sadly, Jimmy, was preceded in death by his family...his parents, Vern & Jennie Richards...his sister, Betty Ann Osborne...& brother, Gary Richards. He leaves behind his wife Terri Richards...a niece & a nephew....but, he will be, greatly, missed by many who knew & loved him.

A Celebration of Life will take place on September 24, 2022 from 1-4 pm at the Richards' home. Inurnment will be held on October 4, 2022 at 10 AM at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.