Richard Edward James, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on September 15th at the age of 85.
Born on January 28, 1940 in Queens, New York. He was the cherished son of Edward and Norma James. He spent his childhood in Freeport, Long Island. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz and then the University of Chicago where he earned his Master of Teaching. After briefly teaching in Illinois, he and his family moved back to New York. He then taught at New Paltz High School until his retirement in 1996. He was a beloved teacher to students who have remained in contact with him over his retirement years. While at New Paltz High he taught History and was a girls’ basketball coach, track coach, and cross-country coach. After retiring in ’96 he returned to teaching as an adjunct professor of history at SUNY New Paltz.
In 1976, he married Polly Beynon who was music teacher at New Paltz High. Together they raised seven loving children. Left to cherish him are Polly James, sons Stephen and Ted James, Charles Pritchard, LeeAnne and Chris Jones, Paulette and Jeremy Van Dam, and Lynne and Kirk Timperio, daughter-in-law, Rosanne James and grandchildren Jessica, Rebecca, Samuel, Allison, Kyle, Danielle, Brielle, Delaney, Emily, Daniel, Mathew, Leland, and great-grandson, Jacob. He was predeceased by his son, Andrew, and grandson Evan, his sister, Beverly and husband William. He is also survived by his sister Barbara and her husband Walker, and many nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered and cherished by many close friends, teachers, and church friends. Memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 1-2pm at Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church 2381 New Hackensack Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.copelandhammerl.com.
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