James 'Jim Francis Richards

RICHARDS - James "Jim" Richards, 74, a resident of Albuquerque since 1975, died Monday, September 14, 2009, at his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty J. Richards; children,, Timothy Richards of Gallup, NM, Bradley Richards and wife, Aracely of McAllen, TX, Tracy Richards of Gallup, NM, and Travis Richards and wife, Michelle of Gallup, NM, Steve Coats and wife, Linda of Lewes, DE, Randy Coats and Debbie Atencio of Albuquerque, Mark Coats and wife, Jennifer of Albuquerque, and Debbie Coats Gerner and husband, Mark of Mesquite, TX; grandchildren, Tess Coats, Brittany Coats, Rachel Coats, Megan Gerner, Collin Gerner, Mallory Gerner, Alexandra Gerner, Olivia Gerner, April Atencio, Timothy Richards, Fiona Richards, Anita Richards, Karla Richards, Kimberly Richards, Lander Richards, Valerie Richards, Johanna Richards, Savannah Richards, Zander Richards, Jerimiah Richards, Thomas Richards and Lori Richards; brothers, Jack Richards of Murdo, SD and Dave Richards and wife, Linda of Aberdeen, SD; sisters, Rose Elrod of Murdo, SD, Violet Vollmer of OR, and Dorothy Stickler and husband, Harold of Phillip, SD; and numerous other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Harold and Maggie Muir Richards; and one brother, Billy Richards. He was born on November 17, 1934 in Okaton, SD. Jim went into the United States Air Force in 1955 and served until 1959. He was a ranch-hand and cowboy in the Dakotas until moving to Grants, NM in December 1966, where he worked in the uranium mines and mills. He married Betty Jordan Coats in November, 1975 and he worked in construction for several years. Jim was a long time member of Central United Methodist Church, where he served as a Head Usher at the eleven o'clock service for several years. He was also active in United Methodist Men and the Partnership Sunday School Class. Jim enjoyed helping Habitat for Humanity, especially helping to build the "Lackey House". Jim was lively, had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor, a very humble and loyal friend, and took great pride in any work he did. He was an avid bowler, and captain of "Jims" team for at fifteen years. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Chapel, Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, Friday, September 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place on Monday, September 21, 2009 at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund or any special fund at Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Please visit our online guestbook for Jim at RememberTheirStory.com

French

7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE

(505) 823-9400