James Paul "Pauly" Richards

1938 - 2021

James Paul Richards was born on June 4, 1938, to Vivian Dollans and Frank Richards in Fayette, Iowa.
"Pauly" as he was known by the Fayette faithful was a Fayette Iowa kid who loved sports and the outdoors. Pauly was an only child but had cousins – Jack and Terry – who were like brothers to him. He was an active kid, and he could often be found in the lumber yard shed shooting baskets, fishing on the Volga, or hunting pheasants on the many railroad tracks around the area. Pauly made friends wherever he went, and he always lit up any room he walked into.
In his high school years Pauly honed his sport skills and competed in football, basketball, and baseball. His true love was football, and more than one opponent knew they faced the Fayette Cardinals and Pauly as he was known to hit people hard. After high school Pauly was prepared to begin working but received a call from Upper Iowa University that he was enrolled, and all of his expenses were covered. Pauly never knew who his benefactor was, but he was always grateful and appreciated his education – it changed his life and he wanted to teach to show his gratitude.
On June 25, 1959, while attending Upper Iowa he married the love of his life Sharroll D. Fay. The two of them had known each other since kindergarten but it was college where they fell in love. Pauly always said he married up and he loved Sharroll with all his heart.
They left Fayette for Paul's first teaching and coaching job in North Branch, Minnesota, where he was the head football coach. Lifelong friendships were established in North Branch and countless vacation memories were made with many from North Branch. The trips to Big Sand Lake, Lake of the Woods, and anywhere else families could gather were legendary. The family then migrated to Marshfield, Wisconsin and another head football coaching job. Marshfield was a brief stop for two years and in 1969 Paul and Sharroll and their three kids moved to Minnesota City, Minnesota, which became home for most of their adult life. Paul taught and coached at Winona Senior High School.
"JP" as he was known by most in the Winona area had a tremendous influence on those he met. He was a great motivator of youth as a teacher and coach. Often past students would stop by the house and share stories and appreciation of how he listened and cared for them. He was the head tennis coach for 27 years and produced winning teams and players who came to know the love of the sport through his leadership. He coached tennis with a football mentality – hard work and being more prepared than your opponent was what ensured his success.
Paul's kids were his joy. He and Sharroll were blessed with three – Nan, Ross, and Matt. Paul's children where the twinkle in his eye. He was a loving and caring father and would do anything for his kids. Paul was able to give advice that transcended the situation. Those one-on-one discussion helped to shape each of his kids into productive, caring, and responsible adults. He enjoyed taking his kids hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a true outdoorsman, and he would often comment on how he wanted to go – hunting, fishing, snaring, or snagging whatever was in season. The life lessons learned in the duck blind and while in the boat shaped his kids' lives. Playing tennis was a family tradition. When the family traveled, they would play tennis matches in each of the locations we visited. Paul would name each competition with a regional description and a David Buffer –ring announcer – flair. The matches were competitive and fun with the teams of Nan and Matt vs Ross and Dad. Paul was still playing tennis at 83 – his high back hand still needed some work, but he was committed to improving it.
Paul and Sharroll moved back to their home-town of Fayette Iowa in 2008. One of the main reasons was to aid in caring for his mother in law – Opal Fay. Paul was always willing to help someone out if they needed it. He was kind and generous. Growing up Pauly did not always have much, and his humble upbringing is what made him so compassionate throughout his life. He could sense those in need and showed unconditional love.
"Pauly" was a member of the UIU Sports Hall of Fame. He was a varsity football player for four years and also participated in basketball. He was a true Peacock fan and he loved UIU sports. He was a stalwart at all of the UIU sporting events when he returned back home. He attended all events and loved watching the Peacocks compete.
Paul passed away on Dec. 26, 2021, at his son's home in Oregon with his family at his side. Paul is survived by his wife Sharroll of 62 years, daughter Nan, and his sons Ross and Matt. Paul had nine grandchildren and was hoping for great grandchildren prior to his departure.
Pauly – JP - Dad – taught us that work hard and play hard. One of his favorite sayings was "your burning daylight". He was the life of the party and was a larger than life character. His outgoing personality was tempered with a gentle and caring side that was observed by any who were in need. He cared for others and was always willing to give a helping hand.
Gone but not forgotten … thanks for the memories, Dad … we will see you again!
A graveside service is planned for 10:30?a.m. Saturday, June 18, at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette.