James Allen Richards, 80, of Langdon passed away on September 1, 2026, at Cheshire Medical Center due to heart-related complications.

Born on January 31, 1946, in Worcester, MA Jim was the son of Edwin and Rita (Launier) Richards. He attended schools in Shrewsbury, MA graduating with the Class of 1964 and earning an Engineering Degree from Worcester Polytechnical Institute. On July 16, 1966, he married the love of his life, Patricia Waskiewicz of Millbury, MA embarking on a sixty-year partnership built on quiet devotion, shared rides, and mutual respect. Jim was also a member of St. Paul’s Lodge of the Masons in Langdon, an organization with which he remained connected throughout his life.

By trade, Jim was a meticulous and highly skilled engineer, applying his sharp eye and mechanical ability throughout his career. He worked for Joy Manufacturing in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, Smith Industries and most recently at Sonnax, where he retired. Away from work, his hands were rarely still. Jim was a true motorhead and a passionate automotive enthusiast who spent countless hours rehabbing and fixing classic Chevy products. He took immense pride in creating authentic “originals” meticulously sourcing the correct engines and period-accurate details for each specific model.

Jim’s mechanical talents extended well beyond his own cars. He could fix just about anything, and he took great pride in making things work again rather than replacing them. He was famously frugal with materials—he was known to straighten nails, so they could be used again. He also loved sharing what he knew, especially with young people who showed an interest in cars and mechanics. He was always happy to spend time explaining how things worked and passing along the knowledge he had gained over a lifetime.

Jim was deeply involved in racing as both a fan and a participant. He built engines for many stock cars that competed at Claremont Speedway and enjoyed drag racing, where he was an active participant. One of his proudest racing accomplishments was winning an NHRA event with his Jeep CJ7. He was also a devoted, lifelong NASCAR fan who observed one absolute household commandment: never, under any circumstances, bother Jim (and his lap cat) while a race was in progress.

When he wasn’t under the hood of a car, Jim loved being out on the open road and taking cruises with his wife. A dedicated Harley Davidson fan, he could frequently be found riding his trike—especially when sharing the journey with Pat. When weather didn’t permit motorcycle riding, you could often find Jim on an ATV or snowmobile, again with Pat.

Jim was a man of few words, particularly around the house, and was famously known for his quick wit and succinct “Jimisms.” (As he liked to advise anyone behind the wheel: “Don’t back up any further than you need to… only bad things can happen after that.”) While he wasn’t always one for long conversations, those who knew him well could see how deeply he loved and how fiercely proud he was of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Pat Richards; his children, Sandra (Todd) Rathke and David (Janine) Richards; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Chris Richards, Matt Richards, Serena Rathke, Eryn Richards, Daniela Rathke, Ryan Richards, Callen Richards and pets, Big Tig and Lucy. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Rita, and his sister, Sue.

Visitation will take place on September 10, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Following the visitation at 7:00 PM, family and friends are invited to gather at the Langdon Municipal Office, 122 Route 12A, Langdon, NH 03602 to share memories, stories, and time together in Jim’s honor.

To honor Jim’s memory, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Online donations can be dedicated in his name at heart.org/honor-memorial.