Obituary of James Patrick Richmond

YOU MAY WATCH A LIVESTREAM OF THE MASS

on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

at the YouTube channel for Sacred Heart Lacey

by clicking HERE.

James Patrick Richmond, a resident of Sequim, Washington, passed away unexpectedly at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington, on August 6, 2020 at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife, Anna; sons, Jason, Logan, and Chester; granddaughter, Isabella; and six siblings. He was predeceased by his parents.

Jim was born in La Mesa, California, on July 9, 1948, to Barbara Carolyn Richmond and Chester Arthur Richmond, Jr., and was the third in a line of seven children. Jim’s father was a Rear Admiral and a “father of modern Coast Guard aviation,” which took Jim to many places through his childhood. When young, he lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Port Angeles, Washington, and attended school at Queen of Angels, Kodiak, Alaska, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Falls Church, Virginia. He was proud of his days as an Eagle Scout in the Order of the Red Arrow. Jim was very active in high school as secretary and president of the math club, junior editor of the yearbook, and a member of the National Honor Society, the student council, the letterman’s club, the drama club, the Russian club, the skiing club, and the swim club.

After high school, Jim decided to return to Florida, where in 1970, he graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Political Science, and an M.Ed. in Community College Instruction in 1973. In 1980, he earned a J.D. at the University of Puget Sound, and was subsequently admitted to practice law in numerous state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.

Jim had a storied career, including serving as a merchant seaman; a transportation manager in Alaska during the construction of the Alaska pipeline, where he defeated the teamsters’ union; and over 35 years of legal experience as a civil defense litigator and educator. After defending ship owners, contractors, and insurance defense clients in Alaska, Jim moved to Olympia, Washington, where he became an Assistant Attorney General. While at the AGO, Jim led numerous trial teams in cases against first-class railroads, telephones and electric utilities, and defended the Washington State Ferries and the Washington State Patrol, among other state agencies.

Jim also maintained his own practice, Richmond Law Group, where he defended transit companies, counties and states in property tax, tort, and civil rights claims. Later in his career, Jim was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office. Most recently, he served as Of Counsel to Mix Sanders Thompson, PLLC, and Special Counsel to several Washington counties.  Jim was dedicated to his profession and always fought for the underdog. Those who know Jim won’t be surprised that he continued to work through his last days.

In addition to practicing law, Jim was instrumental in developing the paralegal program at South Puget Sound Community College, where he taught for 24 years. He was an advocate for post-secondary education and believed access to community college should be available to all. He also created and presented at more than 40 employee training seminars, paralegal programs and attorney continuing legal education seminars. Throughout his career, Jim was beloved by his colleagues, who enjoyed working with and learning from him. He often said his greatest trait was his ability to listen, as those who know him would agree.

Jim enjoyed swimming, sailing, crabbing, gardening, building beach fires, and activities with the Sequim Bay Yacht Club. He was an active and dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 20 years, where he served on the board and as an usher. He was an avid reader, an award-winning historian, and an especially skilled storyteller.  He had a zest for life, which could be seen in his smile. He had a keen wit and knew how to make you laugh. He was a kind and generous man who cared deeply for his friends and family, and often thought of others before himself. If he could do anything to help someone succeed at their goals, he would.

Jim fought the gales with all his might up to the end, and now he has found his safe harbor.  But while Jim is gone, he will not be forgotten. He will live on in all the memories of those whose lives he has touched.

Services are scheduled as follows:

Viewing - Wednesday, August 12, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Funeral Alternatives, South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA.

Requiem Mass - Thursday, August 13, 10:30 a.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 813 Bowker St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 30 people will be allowed in Halen Hall, where the mass will be broadcast.  Mass also will be livestreamed (see the link above).

Interment – Friday, August 14, 1:00 p.m., Ocean View Cemetery, 3127 West 18th St., Port Angeles, WA 98363.

No receptions are scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank all the kind and attentive doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and staff at Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill, Cardiac ICU for helping make his last days comfortable and peaceful.

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.