Reverend James Arthur Richards Passed away on Sunday May 24, 2026 at Green Ridge Village, Newville.
Jim was born on November 17, 1949 to Jean W. Richards and Jean Sadden Richards in Pottstown PA. He grew up in the Philadelphia area and then graduated from Millersville University in 1971.
He taught Sixth grade Science at East Pennsboro School District from 1972 until 1979. From 1979 until 1982 he sold real estate.
He also served as a medic in the 103rd Medical Bn. 28th Div. PA Army National Guard from 1971-1977.
In 1982, his wife, Jackie, and he went to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and graduated in 1985.
Jim was ordained as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA and Served churches in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, and retired from the Presbyterian Church in Cape May, New Jersey in 2015 after 30years of ministry.
He was actively involved in a ministry in Guatemala for 16 Years and was a Stephen Ministry leader. He also served as a chairperson of Various Presbytery Committees. Since moving to Newville, he was active at Big Spring United Lutheran Church in Newville and Second Presbyterian Church in Carlisle filling the pulpits there from time to time.
He was especially proud that his Quaker ancestry went back to the very beginnings in this country. He also was a docent for the Cumberland County Historical Society.
Jim married Jackie Hoke on June 7, 1969. After 48 plus years of marriage Jackie predeceased him on January 29, 2018.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Stefanie Richards of Moline, Illinois and Janna Richards of Geneseo, Illinois. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Nathan Richards Hay, Katlynn Mcvey, and Caley Richards and one great grandson, Cillian Richards all of Illinois. He is also survived by two nephews, a niece and two grand-nephews and one grand niece.
Jim loved the Eagles and the Phillies and was a student of the Civil War. He considered Gettysburg a sacred place. He was the convener of the Civil War Roundtable at Green Ridge Village where he resided. He was also a model railroader and a member of the railroad club at Green Ridge. He loved researching his Welsh, Scot and English ancestry. He was a life-long Democrat.
In his Ministry, his interest were in social justice ministries, hunger issues, and working with migrants in various ways.
The family would like to thank the staff at UPMC Carlisle and Green Ridge for their loving care.
The funeral service will be at Big Spring Lutheran Church, 101 Crossroad School Road, Newville, PA and interment of ashes will follow in the church memorial garden.
The service will be Monday June 1, 2026 at 3 p.m. in the church.
Visitation will be one hour before the service in the church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Egger Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to the Cumberland County Historical Society or to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit the floral store.
