Jack L. Richards

Jackie "Jack" Lee Richards was a man of loyalty and strength, a pillar for his family and a wonderful friend. Anytime a loved one was in need, Jack was there, always putting others first. He cherished every moment with his children and their families, making time to support them and looking forward to quiet moments together.

In the early 1930s, the world was still reeling from the stock market crash of '29 and many families were struggling to make ends meet. Jesse and Viola (Geren) Richards of Kalamazoo, Michigan, were no exception, but in the spring of 1931, they were excited about the arrival of their third child. On July 13, Jackie showed up, bringing joy and vitality to a household that suffered the lost of their firstborn, Donnie, when he was just two-and-a-half years old.

Once Jack learned to walk, he never stopped moving. Growing up with seven brothers and sisters on Lake Street in the Washington Square neighborhood, he always had someone to play with, and there was an abundance of neighbor kids, as well. Amateur boxing was popular throughout the United States for boys of all ages, and Jack participated in a few Golden Gloves bouts. He also loved baseball, playing anywhere he could and eventually landing a spot on the city league team.

As a teenager, Jack spent some time living in Grayling with an aunt and uncle. He returned to Kalamazoo later, graduating from Kalamazoo Central with the class of 1949. As a gift, his father offered him the choice of a class ring or a suit. Being a practical man, he chose the suit.

One day Jack stopped by Dygert's Drug Store and couldn't believe what he found there. His heart stopped when he saw the beautiful girl working behind the counter and he knew that his life would never be the same. He introduced himself to her and never looked back. Jack and Delores "Lorry" (Peiffer) were married on February 5, 1951, by Jack's "Unkie Doc" Barnes at Jack's grandparents' home.

The young couple lived on the southeast side of town for a while when they learned that they were expecting their first child. Larry was born in 1952, followed by Linda and Jan. Jack sold his 1940 Ford in order to make a down payment on a home suitable for their growing family.

While attending classes at Western Michigan University, Jack found a job in the print shop and stayed there for forty-two years. He was skilled in all areas of the department and eventually assisted teaching a class in printing. He enjoyed sharing his talents with students, but the most important thing in his life remained his family.

Jack bowled while the children were young, but never at the expense of his family's needs. He quit playing baseball because he didn't want to be unable to provide for his family in the event of an injury. He attended all of his children's sporting events, and even when they were adults and were just playing recreationally, he was always their number one fan. When grandchildren arrived, Jack, a.k.a. Papa Richards, was completely captivated by every single one, devoting much of his time and energy to them.

Jack developed an interest in magic and joined a few magicians' organizations. He performed at Christmas parties and the occasional area show. He also became passionate about golf, joining leagues at Crestview and Eastern Hills and playing on Sundays with three longtime friends, Charlie, LeRoy, and Dave. He read books to improve his game and picked up tips from watching on television.

In the early 1990s, his dear Lorry was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As usual, he selflessly served her, acting as her caregiver for four-and-a-half years until her passing in 1996. He drew support from family and friends, and a long-time neighbor, Grace Evans, became a dear companion for him. Grace became ill with cancer as well, and Jack once again gave of himself, caring for her until she died in 2000.

In 2003, Jack realized a personal dream of owning a Model A. He became a Model A Ford Club member and stayed busy maintaining his car. He never let anything get in the way of his relationships with family and friends, however. He became close to Dorothy Eckman, sharing his last five years with her as a dedicated companion. He leaves his loved ones with many precious memories and an amazing example of a man who consistently gave of himself for the sake of others.

Jack passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2006, at Borgess Medical Center. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lorry, and two brothers, Donnie and Jesse. Surviving are his three children: Larry (Bonnie) Richards of Kalamazoo, Linda (Jim) Porlier of Scotts, and Jan (Duane) Kiino of Kalamazoo; six grandchildren: Mindy (Jeff) Middleton, Michael (Kara) Porlier, Lisa (Brad Grueter) Kiino, Andrea (Michael) Ringman, Libby Kiino, and Aaron Richards; five great-grandchildren: Ben, Matt, Jackson, Austin, and Braylin; six siblings: Bob (Phyllis) Richards of Florida, Louise Horner of Kalamazoo, Sandra (Tom) Zimmie of Martin, Patricia Crum of Kalamazoo, Dale (Judy Hill) Richards of Vicksburg, and David (Yvonne) Richards of Kalamazoo; his companion, Dorothy Eckman of Kalamazoo; and many nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Jack and visit with his friends and family Monday, September 25, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Stadium Drive where a service to honor his life will be held Tuesday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Please visit Jack's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo, or sign the online guest register. Memorial contributions may be made to the Borgess Heart Institute, the Borgess Neurology Institute, or to the hospice organization of your choice.