James Joseph Richards

Age 77, of Clio passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023, at home. In accordance with James’ wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm Friday, October 13, 2023, at Auto City Eagles. A burial will take place at a later time at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on James’ tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

James was born in Flint on March 31, 1946, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Audley "Dick" and Doris (Giddings) Richards. Educated locally, James attended Flint Central High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. He continued his education and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Elementary Education. On February 12, 1969, James heeded the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Vietnam Era until his honorable discharge on January 8, 1971. Upon his return to the States, James began his career working as a teacher. James pursued his love of teaching and used his gift as a teacher at Mt. Morris Central Elementary School from 1976 until his retirement in 2009. When he retired, he was sent to the office and was given a permanent detention for all of the students he sent there. When he retired, he James was an amazing teacher and taught Math and Science as well as coached football and softball. He was also a scorekeeper for the Mt. Morris basketball team. He passed along his love for scorekeeping to his nephew, Chad, who continues the tradition of scorekeeping for Mt. Morris Schools. James had a love for woodworking and carved many beautiful pieces from workbenches to Santa’s and angels. Christmas carvings were his favorite. He was so good at woodworking; that he was a member of the Wood Carvers Guild of Frankenmuth. James was an avid lover of Genealogy, and he started researching his family history and just took off running with it from there. He got very historical and was able to tie his genealogy back to his ancestors, William the Conqueror, Alfred the Great, Charlemagne, and even as far back as the Mayflower. In his free time, James enjoyed watching Jeopardy so he could prove to everyone just how smart he was! He also enjoyed going out with his friends and spending time with his family. His dog, Pepper, was his best friend and he loved her as his own child. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish James' memory are his children: Jeffrey and wife, Heather Richards, Marie and husband, Preston Parrish; grandchildren: Tameron, and Aidan; siblings: Sharon Reed, Laura Stevens, Rosemary Sheroski; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; parents, and brother, Donald Richards.