James "Fuzz" Richards

James Taylor “Fuzz” Richards
James Taylor “Fuzz” Richards of Hobbs, New Mexico, formerly of Potosi, Missouri, was born on May 20, 1933. James “Fuzz” departed this life October 28, 2005 at Covenant Lakeside Hospital in Lubbock, Texas having reached the age of seventy-two years, five months, and eight days.
James “Fuzz” is survived by his mother, Lillian T. Richards of Potosi, Missouri; three brothers, Stephen T. Richards, Jr. and wife Jacqueline of Las Cruces, New Mexico; George B. Richards and wife Rebecca of Potosi, Missouri; Robert H. Richards of Potosi, Missouri; two sisters, Helen Lucy Malugen and husband G.W. of Charleston, Missouri; and Anne Richards of El Paso, Texas; James “Fuzz” was preceded in death by his father, Stephen T. Richards, Sr.
James graduated from Potosi High School in 1951; he then received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Sul Ross University in Apline, Texas. From there James moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where he began his distinguished career in education and coaching. In 1960 he became a teacher and coached basketball, football, and track at Houston Junior High School; then in 1965 he went to teach and coach at Hobbs High School until 1984, when he became the Hobbs Athletic Director. He retired in 1995. He was a member of the Lea County Democratic Party of which he was Chairman. He also was a member of the New Mexico Athletic Directors Association for fourteen years. In 1997 he received the NMAA Distinguished Service Award, he was also a member and chairman for the NMAA Athletic Committee for ten years, and served on its Executive Board. In addition, he was a member of the NMHSCA, the NEA-NM, and the NMHSADA. In 2001 he was inducted to the New Mexico Activities Association Hall of Fame. In 2003 he was honored with induction into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor. He was also recently honored by the Mine Breton Historical Society by induction into its Hall of Honor in Potosi, Missouri.
Funeral Services for James Taylor Richards were held Wednesday, November 2, 2005, at Hobbs First United Methodist Church, Hobbs, New Mexico.
A Graveside Service was held Saturday, November 5, 2005 at the New Masonic Cemetery in Potosi, Missouri with Reverend Jerry Compton officiating. Serving as pallbearers were James Simpson, Wallace Henderson, Junior Fryman, Jim Woods, Robert Maxwell and Robert Simpson.
Burial was at the New Masonic Cemetery in Potosi, Missouri. In honor of his service and dedication to this Country, Taps was played by Missouri Funeral Honors Team Member Harrison Eaton.
Services were Entrusted to the Care and Direction of the Moore Funeral Home, 105 Clark Street, Potosi, Missouri.