Obituary of James E. Richardson

James E. Richardson, 71, of Greeley, CO passed away May 16, 2023 at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO after a battle with cancer and heart disease.  He was born April 27, 1952 in Cleveland, OH to Robert C. and Evelyn A. (Moore) Richardson and grew up in Warrensville Heights, OH.

Jim’s family moved quite a bit, ending up in Colorado and settling in Greeley where he graduated from Greeley West High School in 1970.  He went on to UNC where he earned his Bachelor of Physical Education in 1974 and later his Masters in Reading in 1979. 

On June 11, 1974, Jim married Deborah A. Giullian in Arvada, CO.  Jim taught in Wiggins for two years, and then taught one year, splitting time between Madison and Scott Elementary Schools, Chappelow Middle School for twenty-eight years, Brentwood Middle School for six years and finishing his career at AIMS where he taught Intro to Education for ten years before retiring. 

Most important to Jim was his family, his faith and service to others.  He coached many teams over the years, including baseball, softball, soccer, football, cross country, and intramurals.  He loved baseball, the Cleveland Indians being his favorite team.  He also coordinated fantasy football and baseball leagues before it was a thing.  Jim accomplished traveling to all 50 states and was very patriotic.

He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ where he served as a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon and on a number of committees.   He was an alumni of Theta Zi Fraternity and served with Friends of Baseball for many years.  Jim and Deb were CU football season ticket holders since 1977 and Colorado Rockies season ticket holders from 1993-2022. 

Survivors include his wife, Deb, children; Bobby (Jericca) Richardson and Jan (Trae) Borror, five grandchildren; Drew, Ali, and Tara Richardson, CJ and Kennedy Borror, a sister, Jane (Jerry) Casey and numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, including his special nephew, Jeff (Joy) Casey. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim’s Life Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at First Christian Church with a reception to follow.  Memorial gifts may be made to “First Christian Church Disciples of Christ”, “American Heart Association” or “American Cancer Society” in care of Adamson, 2000 47^th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.  Condolences may be shared at AdamsonCares.com.