Memories that have been shared --
Everyone who has met Jim has a story to tell about how kind and generous and inspiring he was. He treated everyone as a personal friend and a respected colleague. He worked endlessly for better feline health and care. He was a friend of everyone who was a friend of cats. I have no idea what we are going to do without him.
There are some people whose passing makes even the angels weep.
Beth Adelman
Brooklyn, NY4/25/2007 2:53 PM
The pedigreed cat fancy and every cat owner everywhere has lost a friend. Dr. Jim was always available, ready to share and help.
John McGonagle, co-author of Breeding Pedigreed Cats - 2nd ed. and Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians (4th ed.)
4/25/2007 3:27 PM
Dear Friend - I will miss you.
Dr. Jim, I miss you as a friend, but even more, those who love cats miss you as a caring, loving advocate.Carolyn M. Vella, "Breeding Pedigreed Cats, 2nd Edition", "Robinsons Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians, 4th Edition"
4/25/2007 4:19 PM
Paws down: No one has done more to further feline health in my lifetime.He did this with class, and with a science base. He never wavered from his ideal, and always was careful to do the right thing. He was ethical and so consistent in his values. I don't know that ever met a more gracious person. He always had time for me, for you, for anyone....And he was always so darn cheerful about it. I recall once asking him, 'Aren't you ever in a bad mood?' He looked at me quizzically - I'm not sure he understood what I meant. Most of all I will miss his laugh. If he was in the room, you knew it. The kitty cats have lost their best friend ever. But because he influenced so many, maybe all of us together can combine to do, perhaps, maybe about half of what he did. Among those who write about cats, no veterinarian has even been held in higher regard. With great admiration....and thoughts for Cornell, for those who worked so closely with Dr. Jim and most of all for Anita and his family -Stevebob Dale
My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. He was such a wonderful person, mentor and advisor. I don't think I have ever met anyone kinder or more giving than Dr. Richards. As busy as he was, he always had time for me not only as a student but also when I went into practice. I just can't believe that he's gone. I will miss him for a long time to come and then some. The kitties have certainly lost a friend.Susan Whittred, DVM
Cornell Class of '03
I didn't know Dr. Richards - I'm not even a veterinarian. I'm simply an English teacher from Pennsylvania who adores cats. I view Cornell as THE best facility for animals and have almost daily viewed the Feline Health Center's link on your web site. I was shocked and a bit tearful to learn about Dr. Richards. I have read about him and have seen him in public appearances that I felt I knew him. At the least, I felt I thought like him - so very compassionate for these creatures, the "kitties". I'm sure Cornell is deeply saddened. His shoes are very BIG to fill. The true love of an animal - any animal - takes a loving, gentle person. Find a good one!Lisa Anderika of PA
I just saw Jim in Miami at the AAFP conference, and he spoke of how good life was and how proud he was of his sons, and how quickly they grow up.Lauren Trepanier
Our feline community has lost a champion and friend. Jim we will miss you, but will carry on the work you started.Marian Siegel,VMD
Metropolitan Cat Hospital
I have never heard of him before today. I was catching up on my NJ Sunday Star Ledger which featured an article about Dr Richards and heartworms in cats. He looked sweet and compassionate so I decided to check out his website at CFHC. How sad to find that he has died. I get the feeling that God has taken one of his angels home and that he will be sorely missed.
Dr. Richards was such a happy and caring individual. He had an infectious laugh that I will never forget.
I count myself among the multitude of veterinary students touched by Dr. Richards infectious sense of humor and enthusiasm. Ever good-natured, he endured the hardship of serving as the advisor for my senior seminar project. Unsurpassed as a mentor, his guidance has been profoundly affecting both personally and professionally.Dr. Richards, you will be missed. It is little comfort, but I hope Dr. Mew has reclaimed your lap.
Naomi Oliver 2005
I was shocked today to hear about the sudden death of Jim Richards. He was a great veterinarian, scientist, teacher and a wonderful person. I only knew him through the conferences and phone conversations but I found him to be a kind, patient, delightful person. This is a great loss to the veterinary community. I will sincerely miss him.Betsy Buck VMD
I worked with Dr Jim at the Feline Health Center after my residencey at Cornell. I distinctly remember him saying how lucky he was to have a job that he absolutely loved. There are very few such happy and genuine people that we come across. I feel so sad for his family and I know he will be missed tremendously by the veterinary community. Nichole Birnbaum
I remember Dr. Richards as one of the smartest men I have ever met. His dedication to feline health had a great impact on me in my career as I dealt with many rescue groups. His death leaves a great hole in veterinary medicine and in life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the whole veterinary community.Malisa DeHart DVM
Cornell class of 1998
Community Pet Care
Lackawanna, NY
A great friend to cats and cat lovers will be missed by all who knew him or knew of him. Rest well Dr Richards.
I never met Dr. Richards but I corresponded with him a few times in connection with the effort to educate cat owners about Vaccine Associated Sarcoma, and most recently on the passing of his beloved friend Dr. Mew. I felt that I knew him through those brief contacts and through his monthly column in Catwatch. He was a major ally to those of us involved in the VAS education effort and he was a friend to cats everywhere. His passing is a tragedy. I find it especially touching to know that he lost his life saving a cat! What a greeting he must have had at Rainbow Bridge, with Dr. Mew, all the VAS angels and more cats that we can ever imagine all gathered to welcome him! Cats everywhere and those who love them are poorer for his passing. Mick Morrissey, VAS Awareness, Feline VAS Support Group.
It's a great loss for the cat and animal world.Thank you James for your contribution to a better world. Thank you for existing.
I wish the family all the best.
Sunny thoughts,
Zayhra
I will most remember Jim for his cheerful and encouraging personality and his love of family, friends and felines, "kitties" and I will miss him. Jim was a good man.Wendy Hoose
Ithaca, New York
On behalf of VAS Awareness, we would like to express our sincere and profound sadness and sympathy for the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Jim. He was a profound help, influence and advisor for VAS Awareness. We, along with countless other people, will miss him dearly.Lynn Schneider
Founder, VAS Awareness
For the past 15 years, Jim Richards has been a dear friend and an associate. I had the pleasure of having dinner with Jim and his wife several months ago. We had such a wonderful time mainly sharing stories of our role as obnoxious cat people. Jim truly appreciated and understood the bond between cat owners (parents) and our kitties. He made the world a better place. God bless his family during this extremely difficult time. Trust me when I say that your sadness will soon be replaced with so many happy memories of Jim. May his spirit embrace and comfort you, Vikki Howard
Thank you for all the love and compassion you have showed and hard work on behalf of felines everywhere.Blessings....
Kim, Chloe and Mary McD (1 human and 2 kitties)
I had the privilege of working side by side with Jim for our first two years as "new" veterinarians. Jim has always been beyond nice -- which many people wear on the surface. He was truly, truly kind -- and that goes to the bone. We all recognized the personal magic in his manner and would watch with amusement as the fractious, "Impossible to handle!!" cats would seem dumbfounded by this man, who would just soothe and caress the bad attitude right out of the them. His effect on people was much the same and few came away untouched by his overpowering generosity of spirit. You somehow felt caressed as well. (So he was also our secret weapon for difficult clients as well as the Rock Star of our senior ladies clientele) He has touched many lives with that magic, and as someone once said: "What you do for yourself, dies with you. What you do for others, lives forever." Jim will be with many of us forever. As a result of my time with Jim, I became a better veterinarian, but more importantly, I became a better man.Bob Naum
Cornell '78
How sad for the world and the cats he worked to help, to have lost such a caring and dedicated man. My heart goes out to all his family and friends.
I am so sad to hear the news about Dr. Richards. Cats and those of us who love them have lost a true friend. I greatly admire and appreciate all the work he did for cats. He was such a significant part of feline health - from the Feline Health Center he headed to AVMA and AAFP boards, his name meant integrity. He was even kind enough to write back to me personally when I asked him questions about his work, which really meant a lot. I love when he acknowledged "the Creator of the wonderful little creatures that have held my fascination and affection since childhood." It was such a joy to know that a reknowed expert in the field of feline medicine 'got it' just like us regular cat lovers. I know the Center will carry on his important work after this terrible loss, but all of us who care about cats feel a great void. He was a wonderful man and my heart goes out to everyone who feels his loss personally. He will be greatly missed.Sincerely,
Beth Zimmerman
Archbold, OH
During the short time that I knew and worked with Dr. Richards he made an incredible lasting impression with his warmth and compassion. I feel priveledged to have known him and he will be deeply missed.
Cats of the world have truly lost a friend. He will be greeted with much jubilation as he passes the Rainbow Bridge. >>^.^<<
Dr. Jim was a faithful man, prepared for this transition each day of his life - it is we who are having difficulty embracing his loss in our hearts. Over time, I wish for us all the ability to rejoice knowing that, through this calling, he is continuing his good work elsewhere. He remains always in our hearts, for we are intertwined forever having been touched by his grace and compassion. Dr. Richards is watching over us, his wife and his sons, his dear Feline Health Center and staff, and all who share their lives with cats, every moment of every day, Dr. Mew at his side. Carry on, my friend. We feel your presence, and will see you again. ~ TB
We will all remember Dr. Richards with a smile. He was a warm and wonderful teacher and instilled an enthusiasm for feline medicine in so many of us. We will miss him!Carly Bloom, DVM
Cornell Class of 2006
Tufts University Hospital for Animals
It is with such sadness that I heard of Dr. Richards' passing. He was the guest editor of an issue devoted to Feline Medicine for the Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, and he was a pleasure to work with. He was full of ideas, knew everyone in the cat world, was an obvious expert on the material, and was always good for a laugh or two. The issue was a big success all thanks to him. My sincere condolences to his immediate family and the Cornell family.Regards,
John Vassallo,
Editor, Veterinary Clinics of North America Philadelphia, PA
I'm heartbroken. Jim was my vet when he practiced in the Cleveland area and I still miss him. I'm so glad that others remember his constant referral to felines as "kitties." Does anyone else remember how he used to stand in an examining room talking to you about your cat, and he'd lean against the wall and then, gradually, he'd slide down the wall, still talking and explaining, until he was crouched on the floor. I used to go into hysterics.Cats have lost a warrior for their health. Heartfelt thoughts to Anita and his sons. And to your community at Cornell.
Catherine Podojil in Cleveland Heights
In my mind I keep replaying all the scenes with Jim in them: Jim striding down the corridor on the third floor of Schurman Hall, with that funny little humble stoop of his and that great big grin; Jim striding out the door of the hospital building suited up in his leathers, helmet in hand, heading for his bike with that great big grin; Jim sticking his head in the car to meet my cat after a trip to the clinic; Jim in his office, on the phone helping yet another caller, cat toys and cat furniture and cat novelties everywhere and Dr. Mew patrolling the desktop; Jim stopping for countless little hallway chats, always warm, always fully engaged, always glad to see me, whatever kind of day he was having. I also have a special memory of our last conversations over lunch, great, personal conversations about his life and my life; about music (he performed in a band in his youth, and said he was a good singer); and about faith and dogma and the distinctions he drew between the two. I didn't share his religious beliefs, but he welcomed a searching skeptic with great understanding and thoughtfulness, in the sense of real thought. There must be hundreds of people who loved Jim as much as I did; I can't imagine the magnitude of his loss for Anita, Jesse, and Seth. My heart goes out to them. They should have had many more years with this wonderful man.Jeannie Griffith
I remember the first time I saw Dr. Richards all suited up for a motorcycle ride. He looked like the Michelin man--all leather and padding. I must have had quite a look on my face (this sweet man was the last person I would have expected to see decked out in biker gear), because we both chuckled over my surprise.We veterinary students were lucky to have such a kind, compassionate, patient, and wise teacher in our midst.
Just called last Friday to talk to Dr. Richards--was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I remember Dr. Richards from the early Cornell Feline Symposiums. My sincere sympathy to his family. Brad Reiser
I did not know the doctor personally, but from what I understand, he loved animals and worked for many years to help make them better. From this cat-lover, my prayers go out for him and for his family.Charis
Any cat lover is a friend of mine, and I am sad to hear about the passing of Dr. Richards.
I was shocked and saddened to learn about the death of Dr. Jim Richards. Jim was a leader and a friend to all of us in the feline health care field. We have lost a true feline advocate, and a true friend. We'll miss your smile and your energy, Jim. Colleen Currigan, Cat Hospital of Chicago
RIP, the feline world will truly miss you.
You might like to see the tribute added to the home page of the VAS Awareness site: http://www.vas-awareness.org/Once again, our deepest condolences to the Richards family.
Mick Morrissey and the members of VAS Awareness.
I am so devestated about the news of Dr. Richards. I don't know him personally but I know he has helped stopped Vaccine Associated Sarcomas. My cat died from VAS. I know he will be remembered in many hearts forever. A very sad loss. Lin Hammond, Angel Spotee VAS Post Group
Most sincere condolences to the Richards family, friends and colleagues. His work touched us all and helped feline friends everywhere.Alan Pomerantz DVM class of 85
Dr. Richards - a great Christian mentor, a thoughtful professional, a generous man and a kind heart. He always had a coffee cup, a smile and time to advise on cats, careers or life. It is a sad loss, but a wonderful resting place that he has in heaven. He is and will be missed.
As someone who cares for domestic and feral cats, I mourn this great loss. I've lost a beloved cat to vaccine-induced sarcoma, and will always be grateful for Dr. Richards' work and great commitment to that issue, and to cats generally. To his family: even people who did not know him have been touched by his death. Barbara King, Gloucester County, Virginia
I am still in shock. Dr. Richards was always there when one needed him. I never meant him face to face but corressponded with him through email. I remember one time when I needed some Vaccine brocheres for a cat show we were doing and Dr. Richards was away but he did check his email and he instructed one of his assistents to see to it that I had the brocheres for the show. He always took the time to answer my emails. He did'nt have to but he did. Thats the kind of caring person he was and this world will not be the same without him. He knew VAS was not rare as everyone claims it is. Two of my four cats died from VAS and Dr. Richards was there to here my crys. Dr. Richards Respected and loved by so many people he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.Kristina Hanson
Feline-VAS Support Group
I just read about his death on the news here in the Netherlands, and I searched more details about him. I didn't know about him before it. I can say that I really admire this man because of his love for cats and everything he did for them. I consider cats my family, they're wonderful animals.Condolences from me and my 2 cats.
Eva Raimundez KuhlmannBloebloe (female maine coon)
Gligli (female Norwegian forest cat)
Utrecht, Netherlands
I didn't know Dr. Richards - just saw Steve Dale's tribute and thought it was amazing. All I know is I have cats, four of them. And love cats. What an amazing man.Sheri M.
Also from Ohio
I didn't know James Richards very well but the James Richards I knew was a remarkable man. Any time I saw him at a conference he was ALWAYS smiling! He remembered my name although years would often pass between our meeting at conferences. I had the pleasure of sitting on the bus with him while traveling to the Toronto airport after a Hill's conference last fall. We talked a lot about middle-aged veterinarian stuff: family, motorcycles, felines, etc. His enthusiasm for all of them was obvious by the tone of his voice and the smile on his face. I feel like I have lost a dear friend and a respected colleague. Hug your cat in honour of this man because he has played a very important role in keeping them healthy.
I am a veterinarian (UGA '04) who had the good fortune to hear Dr. Richards lecture, and to enjoy his many publications and his tireless efforts on behalf of our feline friends. I am greatly saddened by his loss, and extend my condolences to his family, and colleagues, and all the lives, human and animal, who he touched.
I didn't know him well, but I did notice that he often stopped to talk to students, faculty and staff, his demeanor open, attentive, and warm.
I am devastated about the death of Dr. Richards. I just read his obituary in my hometown newspaper, the Los Angeles Times. I am shaking and crying as I am writing this. I am a member of the Center, and used the consult services when my Allie was sick. I know that Dr. Richards' spirit and influence will continue on at the Feline Health Center. You are all good people and dedicated to the health and welfare of felines. I know that Dr. Richards' was greeted with hugs and meows by millions of kitties at the end of the Rainbow Bridge.My love and sympathy to all at Cornell and the Feline Health Center.
Katherine Hayes & Allie Kat
Dr. R- I feel so lucky to have known you and to have been able to call you a friend. I never heard you say an unkind word about anyone or anything. You were unbelievably modest - whenever I congratulated you on a book or article you had written, you could barely take credit for it. You were probably the closest to a "perfect" person that I've ever seen. And I know how you'd laugh if you read that. May you and Dr. Mew rest in peace, and may you never stop smiling and laughing.
Dr. Richards was the closest thing to a school counselor. He was excellent to talk to, as our many converstions in the library attest to. What a loss it is to Cornell and to everyone. He was kind, generous, dedicated and had a heck of a sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.Elisa Salas,
DVM Cornell 2004
Thank you, God, for sharing this incredible, caring man with us for even this short time. The world of cats has lost a champion--but heaven has gained a joyful soul probably now surrounded by lots of furry love! Jim's legacy can only grow--he will live on in those hundreds he inspired with his vision.Purrs and peace, Amy D. Shojai
This is a great loss to the feline and human world. As a librarian, Dr. Richards always took time to help me answer reference questions about feline topics that were difficult to answer- He was my kitty expert. I only knew him through email, but his kindness and love of cats (and people) shined through the text. He called me a gem! I will miss him.Jennifer Harbster, Science Reference Librarian, Library of Congress
Dr. Richards was one of the most caring people I met while I attended Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. I remember going to him as a student in Block I, asking for information about FIP. I felt a little intimidated as a first-year student asking the director of the Feline Health Center a question that to him would be fairly straightforward. He immediately put me at ease, and answered every one of my questions with patience and understanding. I was so saddened to learn of his passing. The void he is leaving behind will be difficult to fill. I will always remember his kindness and willingness to help. He will be greatly missed.Jamie (Krell) Merrigan
Class of 2006
What a tremendous loss the death of this man is is to the feline community and the humans who love "kitties".We people will miss him, but, most of all, the cats will miss him.
This is a very sad day for people and cats alike. He has, I'm certain, a very large furry welcoming party awaiting his arrival at The Bridge.
This is very difficult to write. I find it unthinkable, unreal and simply unfair that Jim Richards is no longer with us. Jim and I were in private veterinary practice together in Cleveland for a number of years just prior to him becoming involved with the Cornell Feline Health Center.Jim, I cannot be with you tomorrow at the ceremony honoring your life, but I want you to know that those of us who were fortunate enough to have known you will never be quite the same without you. Although I do not think of myself as a religious person, I can honestly say that I feel incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to have shared part of my life with you. To know you was to love you. You were the epitome of a true gentleman. You were exceedingly kind; you always focused on the goodness in people, irrespective of race, creed or religious preferences. You were astoundingly compassionate; I remember you once reading a story in the Cleveland newspaper involving the tragic death of someone you didn't even know, and tears welled up in your eyes. I often thought that if all the people of the world possessed the true love of others that you possessed there would be no wars, no hatred, no violence. Jesse and Seth, be proud. Your father was a king among men and he was so incredibly proud of both of you. Anita, your husband's legacy will live on despite this horribly tragic event.
Jim, all of the "kitties" of the world are now bowing their heads and purring softly to thank you, not only for all that you gave to them, but also for all that you have given to every kitty that will be born in the future throughout eternity.
Jim, my dear friend, I am so, so sorry. Please rest in comfort. Please rest in divine peace. With the deepest of sorrow and respect, the fondest of memories and the most true and sincere love. . .
Mark Rutman
May we all make as big an impact for cats and cat owners has you have. You have inspired so many.
Memories of Jim sitting on our treatment table playing his guitar are vivid. His yelling down the hall,Stevi B. your song is playing on the radio. He had a way of reaching into your heart.You will be missed by many Jim.
I would like to thank his family for sharing him with all of us.
Stevi B.
It was said once by someone far wiser than I that "Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same."Dr. Richards left footprints on the hearts of friends, faculty, and students alike. He was the best of men. A brilliant professor. A compassionate veterinarian. An advocate to our furry feline friends, right to the very end. A friend. A mentor. A man of great faith.
I first met Dr. Richards when I was a first year veterinary student, working with Cornell's Pet Loss Support Hotline. As Dr. Richards was the advisor, I came to know him very well in and out of our meetings, to the point that any day that I saw him in the hallway was a good day. Fast-forward two years now, to the present, and I came to see in Dr. Richards a shining star, a bright spirit, someone who gave of himself to see that others were okay, were managing, were surviving the stresses, challenges, mountains ahead.
I last saw Dr. Richards maybe two to three weeks ago in the cafeteria. It had been one of those days where nothing was going right. I was trying to track down a client regarding a patient, and the client's cell phone wasn't working. I had looked everywhere, had finally found them in the cafeteria, relayed the news, and just as I was taking a deep breath, my pager went off... again. Dr. Richards happened to see 2/3 of this chaos, he saw my stress level rising, and he came over, looked me in the eyes, and put his hand on my arm. "It's going to be okay," he said. "It doesn't always seem that way, but you're doing good work. You just have to keep one foot in front of the other. The rest will take care of itself." It was only a 30 second exchange, it was only a breath out of a 24-hour day. But in those 30 seconds, I felt understood. Understood and at ease. As if, yes, everything would be okay.
Losing Dr. Richards is like losing one of the brightest stars of the solar system. In many ways, it feels as if our sun has burned out. Those first few days, it was a lot like standing in darkness. To some degree, it still is. I was walking around the vet school at 4AM during my overnight Emergency and Critical Care shift yesterday, and as I walked past the door that Dr. Richards was always running to and from, for that split second, I just knew I'd give anything to see that door open again, and him come out... alive, unscathed. But it was 4AM. It was pitch black outside and deathly quiet. The door didn't open. And it never will, at least not in the same way for me. There are a lot of 'never agains' that come out of this horrible tragedy. A lot of words that I would give anything to hear him say again. At the same time, there are the memories that will never fade, that will, over time, grow only stronger.
Dr. Richards gave so much to us, his students, his colleagues, his patients, his friends... He spent his whole life giving.
He will be greatly missed, in every way. But I also do believe that his memory will never fade, and that though it will never be the same as having him right here in body, he is always here with us at heart.
God bless you, Dr. Richards. I will never forget you. Ever.
Love,
Ryane Englar
Class of 2008
______________________
"A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a brief moment, its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it."
I never had too much to do with Dr. Richards in the clinic, being a cow man myself, but we could always discuss riding; he was so friendly to everyone, and incredibly knowledgable about feline medicine. Greatly respected him as a veterinarian and a rider, never thought it would end this way. RIP Jim, I'll think of you every time I throw a leg over.JPS '07
Our prayers are with the Richards Family in their loss of a warm, kind human being. I worked for him for five years as Membership Secretary and can still remember walking into his office with him sitting there with Dr. Mew on his lap. It is our loss, he was a fine human being and a caring supervisor.Marsha Leonard & Gerald, Carol and the Switzer Family.
Whenever anyone asks why I want to go to Cornell vet school (I'm a Californian, and we have a pretty good vet school here, after all) I always explain that it is because of Cornell's commitment to feline health issues. Dr. Richards epitomized that commitment. I was very saddened to learn of his death. While many feline vets have a narrow interest in pedigreed cats, pet cats, or feral cats, Dr. Richards was interested in improving life for all cats. He was, and will continue to be, the vet that I pattern myself after. I sorely regret that I'll never have the opportunity to meet him.I am so sorry for the loss that his family, friends, and students are suffering right now.
Heather Kennedy
Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals
Lompoc, California
Today in my often too hectic life I had the opportunity to just sit amongst the family, friends, and colleagues of Jim at his memorial service at Bethel Grove. It was so evident that Jim had the same life enhancing effect on all of us, and everyone has realized what a loss that we all have sustained.But having lost other Cornell veterinary greats in recent years, John,Gordon and Bill,has also taught me that while we grieve for the loss, we also can still feel their presence in our lives as we reflect on the times that we spent together.
This week as I walked by your office Jim and fully expected to see the door wide open and you look up smiling at me or see you carrying a load of books from the library up to that office, my heart sunk as reality struck....but the memorial service has helped me as I saw everyone struggle to put into words what you meant to us....and also to carry on.
I still cannot believe that I won't be able to sit with Jim and have a chat in the Centennial Room where we would talk about anything that happened that day, whatever was on each other's mind, but we would always end up talking about some aspect of faith and family. As a fellow Christian, I know that you are just fine, and that as Fred Scott said that our reunion with you will be just fantastic; but it's that it's tough just now to accept the separation.
So Jim I leave you with this sentiment, "May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."Pat McDonough
CVM Cornell Univ
I had the honor of knowing Jim (who I called 'Doc') for 16 years or so when he came to Ithaca. United by our love for animals and motorcycles, Doc Richards and I went for several rides, including a ride a year or two ago on the same stretch of road that took him from us. He was a model husband, father, citizen, and my friend. When I heard a sport-bike come up my road, I'd look out in hopes that it was Doc on his way to visit. Whenever I hear one now, I'll probably just get choked up thinking about the horrible irony of his passing. As I heard in the memorial service held today, another friend, Mike Mangini spoke as to the enthusiasm and character in which Doc led his life and how he was an ambassador for motorcyclists to follow. I will never look at a noisy bike or biker in a negative fashion ever, because if they had just shared this one sport with 1% of the passion that Doc Richards had, then it must be the trumpets of angels.Doc was special with cats. I have a cat that I rescued from the SPCA several years ago: a loner tuxedo cat, who would only come out from the shadows to eat and drink. One day, on one of Doc's visits, he asked about my cat Tuxy. I pointed out the pillows she resides on, and Doc gently reached out and picked up the un-pickable cat who then started to purr and go limp to his touch. It was as if he could feel her soul and comfort her for a moment and make her forget whatever scared her. As soon as he left, she was back to normal, which is to say unsociable but for those brief moments, magic that I won't ever forget.
I'll miss his infectious smile, his inquisitiveness, his kindness, and his presence. The world just got a whole lot emptier.
Jeff Bugliari
CU Alum '81
This is a terrible loss for all of us. We admire what Dr. Richards stood for and our sympathies go out to his family.The cat vets and staff from
The Cat Doctor Vet Ctr.
Federal Way, Washington
No one, absolutely no one, has done more for cats than Jim Richards. I had the honor of moderating a panel he was on and he gave so generously of his knowledge and time. He never turned down an opportunity to educate, whether in the classroom or via those of us in the media. To meet him, to see his smile emanating such warmth, was to realize that you were in the presence of a very special human being. Taken far too soon, he will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues.Darlene Arden
When I got the e-mail that Dr. Richards had died, I was at work. I cried out, and my office manager came running into the room to see what was wrong. I described to her who had died, and told her a little about him. I told her about some of the conversations we had that had profoundly affected me, and soon we were both crying. Dr. Richards was one of few professors I had contact with all four years of vet school, which is a testament to the breadth of his involvement with students. His death is a huge loss.Jessica Love
DVM 05
I always looked forward to Dr. Richards speaking at the AAFP meetings. He was funny, kind & always inspiring. He made being a 'kitty vet' cool. My sympathies to his family & friends. A great man has passed.
I remember with great fondness meeting Dr Jim. My beloved dog,Tosh, was seriously ill. It was a weekend, so I took him to the ER clinic in Cleveland. Dr Jim sat on the floor with Tosh. He treated him so gently and treated me with his words. I don't recall meeting anyone with such kindness, compassion, and patience. I begged him to have a private practice. That didn't work out, but I knew that wherever he went, the world was a better place. Even though you're not in the physical, I hope and pray that Jim's still spreading his enduring compassion for living creatures.Laurel Hopwood
Dearly loved and sorely missed. You are in our hearts forever.
My Alaska cats asked me to say A picture says a thousands words =^..^= His is full of compassion and love. Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Dr. Richards was a beloved member of the Cornell community. His passing is a tremendous loss for all of us in the veterinary medical profession and feline lovers everywhere. My heart goes out to his family in this time of grief. I will remember him for his cheerful, upbeat personality and the wealth of knowledge he shared when I was a student at Cornell. He was an excellent professor, a first class veterinarian, and wonderful man. I will miss him.Ashley E. Reynolds, DVM ('96), PhD ('02)
Princeton University Dept. of Molecular Biology
Princeton, New Jersey
Jim was a beloved friend and colleague of mine on the AAFP board. I feel honored to have known and worked with him. He did so much to help cats, cat owners, and veterinarians through is work at Cornell Feline Health Center and AFP. We will miss him greatly. My heart goes out to Anita, Jesse, Seth, and his mother, Marion, and his many colleagues at Cornell Feline Health Center.Joanna M. Guglielmino, DVM, Class of 1978
Please know that your wonderful Dr. Richards touched many people you may not know. Dr. Richards was generous with my early struggles in writing about about this species I don't know well. He took helping me educate my readers seriously, and was so very generous with his time that I came to think of him as my "cat expert friend." What fond thoughts I'll always have of Dr. Richards as a result of his kindness.Carol Frischmann
Freelance writer and educator
thiswildlife.com
Jim was an amazing man and teacher. For me, he embodied the Cornell spirit that I experienced for 4 years in Ithaca; a love of learning and community and making a difference in the lives of people and pets.The funny thing is that I did not even know him that well, but he certainly remembered me after veterinary school. We bumped into eachother at the NAVC Florida conference this past January and had a great 5 min conversation right in the middle of the busy hallway. He was engaging, profound and genuinly interested in how I was doing both professionally and personally. I remarked to myself that he is one of the most compassionate and kind human beings I have ever encountered; a true one of a kind...we should treasure his personality and legacy and his contributions to the veterinary community. Thanks Jim for being an inspiration to so many. You make me want to be a better man and vet.
Jeremy Cohen, DVM (class of 2002)
Jim was an individual who realized his potential and purpose and who understood the blessing of living that kind of life. As a result, he was one of the most peaceful,generous, and humble men I've ever met.I believe he would want us to think of him without sadness, but with that big smile that he always had for us,and that he would want us to help one another and live our lives helping and loving others the way he did. Jim, you are a great spirit.Love, Jeff Toll
"It's going to be okay," he said. "It doesn't always seem that way, but you're doing good work. You just have to keep one foot in front of the other. The rest will take care of itself." Dr. James Robert Richards, Jr.I stumbled across this site quite by accident this evening, while researching FeLV, (the mother of my six week old was diagnosed positive today). I didn't know Dr. Richards but I've read this entire message board and it has touched my heart. He must have been an Angel on loan to our world. The quote referenced above was found in one of the posts and was directed to one of the many students that had the privilege to know him. I found comfort in that quote. It truly touched me. I believe God allowed The Doctor to reach out even now and touch yet another life with his kindness and wisdom. My sincere sympathy to all who knew him. May God comfort you and keep you.
For the Love of the Kitties
Melissa Mitchell,
Samson and Capt.Jack
Pendleton, SC
I never met Dr. Richards, but when my cat Zack was diagnosed with intestinal cancer last fall, I sought a "second opinion" from the FHC because I knew the Cornell vet school had an outstanding reputation. My questions were met with courtesy and compassion. I had to put Zack down last week but I think he did as well as he did for as long as he did because of people like Dr. Richards. They do G-d's work in taking care of these creatures who are so dependent on us.Dena Bauman
WDC
I have come to know Dr. Richards through the Cat Watch Newsletter which I have received monthly since its inception. He has done so much for cats and was such a kind & loving individual. I am deeply saddened by his death; my heart goes out to his wife & children & the people he worked with on a daily basis. I will keep you all in my prayers. Joanne McKinley
I first spoke to Dr. Richards in 1991 or 1992, one or two years before I entered the vet school. One of my cats had a recurring UTI. My vet had my cat on Hill's S/D and DL-Methionine. In spite of this, every time I brought her urine in to be tested, the pH was alkaline. I realized something didn't compute, so I called the Feline Health Center. The first thing Dr. Richards asked me was if the urine was fresh when it was tested. It wasn't and my vet never told me that urine pH changes when it sits out at room temperature. Thus, Dr. Richards solved the puzzle for me with one quick question. Naturally, I went to his office to meet him in person soon after I arrived as a vet student in 1993. All I remember from our first conversation was him telling me that the only good reason to become a veterinarian was from having a passion for veterinary medicine, as you weren't going to make much money at it.During my last two years as a vet student, while I was battling a vaccine fibrosarc in the one cat I couldn't deal with ever losing (we kept her going for 23 months after diagnosis), Dr. Richards gave me tremendous support. I'll always remember this. What a wonderful, lovely man.
I saw him approximately a year ago when he came to talk at the monthly meeting of the Westchester/Rockland VMA. He gave a great talk, which included stories about how he got so involved with cats as a kid growing up on a farm. He told us that when one of the barn cats would give birth, he and his sister would make mewing sounds in order to find the kittens. When I was saying goodbye to him, I told him he should make me Assistant Director of the Feline Health Center. He replied that that would be up to Dr. Mew. He then told me that Dr. Mew was suffering from IBD, which turned into lymphoma shortly after that and got him approximately a month later. Good ol' Dr. Mew. Now they're together again. Dr. Richards was most definitely one of the special ones. Love ya, Jim. Always will. It was an honor to know you.
Nancy Allen, DVM, Cornell '98
I didn't know him, but I was very sad to hear of his death. I'm so sorry, it's terrible when someone dies.Sharon Melendes QMPS Canton lab
I was absolutely stunned to hear of the tragic passing of Dr. Richards. While I never met him, as a longtime subscriber of CatWatch, I felt as though he was a dear friend. He will be dearly missed by felines and their families alike.Ellen Andros
Morrisville, NY
I read about Dr. Richards passing in The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio. I am a subscriber to CatWatch and will miss Dr. Richards insight into health of cats. I guess he died as he lived, for the love of cats.Ellen Evans
Marysville, OHIO
