James Richey

James "Jim" Richey, age 79, passed away on August 22, 2011. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church at 3:00 PM. James Richey was born in Commerce, Georgia on January 12, 1932 to Jesse and Bertie Richey. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. While serving in Puerto Rico, he met a teacher, Kayla Hansen, and they were married on April 1, 1958. The couple returned to Blue Earth and managed the Hanson Shoe Store. Jim was involved in community organizations and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. They raised four sons. The family built a cabin in the Okoboji area and liked to spend time at the lake. Even after their divorce in 2005, Kayla and Rich remained as friends. Jim enjoyed photography and woodworking. He made checkerboards, tables, and picture frames for family and friends. He also liked to golf and get together for coffee with the guys. Jim was very interested in geography, world events and his family history. Kayla and Jim liked to travel, and he made many trips to Georgia to visit his family. Jim is survived by his former wife, Kayla, and their four sons: Lohnn of Haines, Alaska, James "Jamie" of Blue Earth, Tim (Raelynn) of Spirit Lake, IA & Scott of Fairmont, three grandchildren: Kyle (Jodi) of LeMars, IA, Jordan and Erin; one great grandchild, Connor and sisters: Martha Smith, Faye Smith and Frances Elrod of Georgia.He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Jess, Bill, Charlie and Gerald.