Jim Richey
November 7, 1935 ~ April 24, 2023
Born in:
Roswell, New Mexico
Resided in:
San Leandro, California
Jim Richey passed away on April 24, 2023 at 87 years old. Jim was born on November 7, 1935 to Nellie and Wesley Richey in Roswell, NM. He grew up in the California Central Valley farming community of Lindsay. An accomplished football and track and field athlete at Lindsay HS, he spurned the University of California, Berkeley and chose to attend Occidental College on an academic scholarship. A proud Oxy Tiger, he studied English and played Linebacker and Offensive Center for their small but powerful football team. After graduating, he went on to teach English with a distinguished career in the Hayward Unified School District. He extended his academic learning by earning a Masters degree as a Reading Specialist. This expertise allowed him to write a series of books for teen and adult remedial readers. His books taught the basics for navigating everyday environments like banks, restaurants, and job applications.
In addition to his long and vibrant career in education, he loved coaching track and field. During his time at Oxy, he met his wife, Norma Jean Miller and they married in 1958. They went on to have three children, Scott, Brad, and Kurt. After retiring in 1993, Jim spent his time cultivating his backyard garden, driving all over the United States, fly fishing, and traveling the world with Norma. He was an especially wonderful grandpa to his grandchildren, teaching them how to make homemade orange juice and plum jam.
Jim is predeceased by his brothers, Bill and Bob; his sisters, Wanell, Jeanette and Jeannene; and his son, Scotty. Jim is survived by his wife, Norma; his sister, Peggy; his sons and their partners, Brad, Shannon, Kurt, and Heather; and his six grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Jacob, Zachary, Luke, and Sophia.
RIP Coach…thanks for four wonderful years at THS. You were the best coach I ever had. ❤️
In 1966-67, I was enrolled in Mr. Richey’s, speed reading course. I never imagined anything English could be so joyful. The energy, passion and humor he injected into the classroom was unparalleled. I was blessed to experience Mr. Richey’s encouraging, uplifting, teaching style. I will forever remember his truly, caring, manner.
Me too Mike Davies. I learned more in his Sr. English class than any other teacher. He made it very interesting and always fun. I will never forget his Tachistascopic training in speed reading…I think that is what it was called. I use those skills everyday. Thanks for being the best teacher EVER Mr. Richie. ’67 Tennyson High
One of my all time favorite teachers. He taught American literature in an interesting way, bringing the books to life.
Me too Mike Davies. I learned more in his Sr. English class than any other teacher. He made it very interesting and always fun. I will never forget his Tachistascopic training in speed reading…I think that is what it was called. I use those skills everyday. Thanks for being the best teacher EVER Mr. Richie. ’67 Tennyson High