James "JR" Richards

James Edward Richards of Hanson MA passed away suddenly on October 26, 2023, at the age of 79.  James is survived by his loving wife Rosemary of 53 years, daughter Kara Richards from Belleville NJ, and daughter Pamela Comeau, son-in-law Justin Comeau and his beloved grandchildren Sydney and Nathan Comeau all from Pembroke MA.  

A week prior to his unexpected passing, James was blessed to go on a cruise to Nova Scotia with Rosemary, and his daughter Kara, where they enjoyed a wonderful week, and made many special memories.

Born on October 21, 1944, in Holyoke, MA, James, known by most as JR, spent the majority of his life in Western Massachusetts, growing up in Chicopee, MA and raising his family in Ludlow MA.  13 years ago James and his wife Rosemary moved to Hanson MA to be closer to their beloved grandchildren Sydney and Nathan.  James was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Mary (O’Donnell) Richards, and his brother Hugh.  James kept in close touch with his younger brother Brian Richards who currently lives in Westfield with his wife Cheryl. He will be missed by Brian and Cheryl’s adult children Matthew, Courtney and Meaghan.

After graduating from Chicopee High School in 1962, Jim went on to graduate from UMass Amherst in 1966. Soon thereafter, James proudly served in the U.S. Navy.  Upon his return from service, he began his career in education as an elementary school teacher, where he met his wife Rosemary at Veterans Park Elementary School in Ludlow, Massachusetts.

Jim and Rosemary settled in Ludlow, MA in 1970, where they raised their daughters, Kara and Pamela. For over 30 years, Jim served as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor in the Ludlow Public Schools, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and making many dear friendships with colleagues along the way. His proudest achievement was being named Guidance Director, his last position held at Ludlow High School upon his retirement.  Jim enjoyed being a member at the Ludlow Fish & Game Club and spent many years umpiring high school baseball games throughout Western MA calling balls and strikes to several players that eventually made it to the major leagues.

In 2010 Jim and Rosemary moved to Hanson MA.  It didn’t take long for JR to make new friends on the South Shore. He and Rosemary quickly made many special friends at Stonebridge Commons, and they were warmly welcomed by friends and family of Pam’s husband, Justin. After being in Hanson for some time, Jim recalled his love of a job working in produce as a teenager, and decided to revisit those roots by working in the produce department at the Halifax Walmart, where he worked for nearly 10 years. Jim enjoyed many friendships with his Walmart coworkers throughout his years there.  

To know Jim was to know that he was a lifelong diehard NY Yankees and NY Giants fan. Jim shared his parents' love for the Boston Celtics, and loved following the Bruins with his son-in-law Justin and his grandson Nathan. But nothing compared to Jim’s passion for watching his grandchildren Sydney and Nathan compete on the soccer field, hockey rink and baseball fields. Popeye, as they called him, was their biggest fan. 

Jim was also a devout Catholic.  He attended weekly mass with his young daughters at St. John the Baptist church in Ludlow and later in his life in Hanson MA at St. Joseph the Worker.  Jim prayed daily for all of the people in his life.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who loved him but especially his wife, daughters, son-in-law and two grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered for his loyalty, strong heart, welcoming personality, warm conversation and always being happy to share a few laughs. 

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Sullivan Funeral Home in Hanson, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, November 1, from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Parish - St Joseph's on Thursday, November 2, at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) through their website www.PVA.org.