John Ellis (Scooty) Richey

John Ellis Richey, (affectionately known as “Scooty”) was born June 22, 1988 in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended St. Agnes Catholic School from Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. In addition to classroom studies, John enjoyed the physical challenge and competitive nature of football and baseball. Upon successful completion of his coursework, he enrolled at St. Mary’s High School where he graduated in 2006. As a Knight, John excelled in sports, namely football and track and field. He lettered in football and was honored as a First Team all-Region Defensive Tackle.

Upon graduating from high school, John followed in his Uncle James’ footsteps and attended Phoenix College for two years. John was a natural born caregiver. After Phoenix College he completed the Certified Nursing Program at Pima Medical Institute and went on to serve many, mobility-challenged, young and elderly, as a skilled, attentive and patient caregiver and in customer service positions.

John’s caregiving and outgoing personality extended to his family. He spoke to everyone about the benefits of good health and maintaining regular fitness routines. He enjoyed weight lifting, nutrition, hunting and discussing politics. John’s most recent passion was nurturing his green thumb; motivating him to turn the lawn at his family home into a lush verdant oasis.

One thing John and his cousins never outgrew was boys’ night out at Granny’s home. John and the other boys would get together, share experiences, laugh loudly, play video games, watch movies and enjoy the delicious and savory goodies lovingly made by Granny. Sleep was rarely on the agenda!

John was preceded in death by Grandfathers, Elbert Mitchell and Godfrey E. Richey; Uncle James Elbert Mitchell and Cousin LaToya Renae' Jackson.

Family members who will lovingly live a memorial to John are his Parents: Godfrey and Belinda Richey; Brother David Richey; Grandmothers Bobbie Jean Mitchell and Fannie Richey; Godparents Richard (Dickie) Parra and Paula Spratlen Mitchell; Aunts, Ruthie Jackson, Elaine Mitchell, Paula Spratlen Mitchell, Rosilyn Richey, Susan Richey, Dorothy Mitchell, and Sandra Mitchell; Uncles, Don Richey, Robert Richey, and Davie Mitchell; Cousins, James Hornsby, Jeaneen Mitchell, Thaddeus Elbert Mitchell, Lauren Mitchell, DJ Mitchell, Aaron Walker, Nyana Walker, and Zaria Walker along with an extended community of relatives and friends. In addition to his beloved pets, Trina (Rottweiler) and Kujo (Pit-Bull), we all will cherish memories and deeply miss the gregarious presence of John Ellis Richey who will live long and large in our hearts.