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James Walker Rich
08/10/1951 — 10/31/2009
From West, Richland, WA, US | Born in Idaho Falls, ID
James Walker Rich
James Walker Rich passed away on October 31, 2009 surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born on August 10, 1951 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Walker J. and Helen A. Rich.
He was raised on a farm in Mackay, Idaho where he grew up working on cars and equipment, a passion that lasted throughout his life. It was while living in rural Mackay that he developed his capacity for hard work and perfection. He attended the University of Idaho, as did his father, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1974. While he was at the University of Idaho he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he enjoyed restoring their 1926 LaFrance fire engine. After school, he worked in the nuclear engineering field for 35 years at Hanford, Washington. While at FFTF, he met and married Herlene Selles in 1981. Jim was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Jim and Herlene had one daughter, Sandy, who also enjoys Jims love of mechanical endeavors. Jim and Sandy spent many hours working on sport cars and building hot rods together. In Jims spare time, he could always be found working in his machine shop, designing and fabricating custom parts and components for his, his wife and daughters latest projects. He was a very patient, skilled and talented professional engineer and mechanic.
Jim was a friend to many, always willing to help anyone with a project or need. He touched many lives and will be remembered as a true friend and companion. His family and friends will miss having his strength and support and will remember his unique way of smiling at you.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by Herlene, his loving wife of 28 years, Sandy, his beloved daughter, his sister, Barbara Fleury of Seattle, WA and a brother, Mike of Boise, Idaho.
A memorial service will be held at Memories at Sunset Event Center in Richland, on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 11:00 AM, to celebrate his life and for his family and friends to share their memories of Jim. We encourage all of Jims friends who are car enthusiasts to drive their unique car of choice to the service. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Make A Wish Foundation, Northwest Chapter www.northwestwishes.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Einans Funeral Home.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family. I want them to know that Jim made a big difference in my life. Back when I was in my late teens he convinced me to become an engineer. I am so glad he took the time to steer me right. Thanks, Jim.
Jim built the most beautiful car I’ve ever owned; the 1962 Austin Healey Sprite. His work was beautiful and his kindness in helping this young amateur mechanic work on that car was greatly appreciated and still vividly remembered more than 25 years later. My thoughts go out to Herlene and Sandy.
Regards, John Vetrano
Herlene,
I can’t tell you how sad I am, learning about Jim’s passing. He was always a great friend to me, and made a difference in my life. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.
Love,
Jason
Our hearts go out to Jim’s family. He was such wonderful man. We were lucky to have known him.
God Bless
While I haven’t seen Jim in years, I will always remember him with great affection. He was the kindest of neighbors as I grew up next door in Kennewick. I especially remember catching the bouquet at Jim and Herlene’s wedding. My thoughts and prayers are with the Rich family at this time of loss.
Thanks ,Jim, for all the car building problems you solved and for all the help you gave.
Jim was with us when we bought my first Car; a 1967 Camaro. We only lived two doors down so he couldn’t resist helping us fix it up either. He was so talented; we welcomed every bit of his expertise. It’s been 23 years since then and I’m happy to say that I still have that car and all the fond memories that go with it. Thanks Jim, I’ll always have wonderful memories of your positive attitude, your love for cars and the patience you had for my hours spent asking innumerous questions in your garage. My thoughts are with Herlene and Sandy “Rug” during this sad and difficult time.
IT IS SAD THAT JIM HAS LEFT US SO SOON. HE WAS SUCH A GOOD FRIEND AND RESPECTED FELLOW WORKER. HIS SKILL AND PERFECTION WITH CAR REBUILDING WAS BEYOND COMPARE.
It broke my heart to see this obituary for Jim Rich. I was a neighbor near the family in Kennewick with my two children. Jim helped my son, Brian, repair an old car he had at 16. Such a gentle giant in many ways and certainly one who left a lasting impression on my son.
When Brian’s dad was unavailble to him, Richard Talbert, Jim and another neighbor stepped in with helpful advice and the wisdom of repair. Jim will be missed but always with a fond memory of a man who was there for others.
I wish comfort and blessings to his family. Please know you are thought of and remembered in my prayers.
Thank you, Jim, for helping my Brian. May Brian find a way always to pay your compassion forward. God bless you.
Faye Spence Anderson
When Jim and Herlene bought the house here in Hamilton and were soon expected to be our neighbors we were all thrilled. Our friends met them at dinner and they fit right in. Jim will be missed at those adventures we discussed: projects in his workshop, kayaking on the lakes and rivers, picnics, camping trips and hiking near their new home in Hamilton.
For those who miss Herlene if she moves, rest assured that we welcome her and plan to be part of her support system. Feel free to come and check up on her. While you are here, tell a few stories about Jim. We’d like that.
Blessings for Herlene, Sandy and those of you who share this loss of a remarkable friend, father and husband.
Carolyn & Fred Weisbecker
Jim represented the best characteristics of America. He was very talented, extremely helpful and generous with his time, modest about his achievements and abilities and was thoughtful, kind and honest in his dealings with others. His untimely passing has left a void in our lives, and I am sure that everyone who had the privilege to know him feels the same.
Jim will be missed by many. We have so many good memories of Jim taking us neighborhood kids camping, to the fair and of course McDonald’s. He steped in there and helped me with my math homework after Dad died. Out thoughts and prayers are with Herelene and Sandy.
Lots of help working on various cars. I really appreciated his help.
I first met Jim in March of 2006 as a result of work for the FFTF. Based on this alone I can honestly say some good things do come out of work. Where Jim and I really clicked was on a love of cars and the importance of family. It was always a treat to see the latest activities at his “home” shop on a trip or meet him at Sterling’s for breakfast and I never missed the opportunity. To see his eyes light up as he showed his solution to the latest project he and Sandy were working on made any trip special. He was always there when I had problems with my road racing cars or other perplexing issues. Since he did so well with Sandy I often sought his input on the antics of my two sons with motor oil pumping through their veins. Seems he has helped many other young men and women on things automotive with some lessons on life worked in.
I met Jim when he was 16 years old. I was building a race car in Pocatello Id. and he wanted to help. We remained friends all these years.I will miss him as if he was one of my own. God bless,jim Marr
Herlene, You have my prayers for your lost.
Herlene & Sandy
I occasionally gave Jim a ride home from work when we were both working late evenings at Hanford. Those occasions gave me the opportunity to see first hand the progress of some of Jim’s hot rod projects which I greatly appreciated.
We started working together years ago at FFTF. It was a privilege to continue to work on various projects with Jim until my retirement in 2004. Jim was one of the last persons I said goodbye to when I left Hanford. Jim was one of the most talented engineers I ever worked with. I admired his work and moral ethics & dedication to doing the best that he could at any task. He was an outstanding person and exceptionally talented and gifted human being.
I can’t be at his memorial service because my wife is having a medical procedure performed during that same time, but my spirit and sincere thoughts will be with you both as you celebrate his life and contributions to his family, fellow work mates, and our wonderful planet Earth.
Herlene and Sandy,
I was shocked and saddened to read that Jim had died. He was too young and too talented and I know that while it doesn’t compare to your loss, I have lost a good friend. We will miss him and his talents, but will always remember his smiling face and great attitude. God bless you in this time of your loss.
I was saddened to see of Jim’s passing in the University Of Idaho magazine. He was one of my closest fraternity brothers and we went through everything together. I loved The Beatles, and Jim discovered them for the first time at the fraternity. We shared albums and his room was right next to mine. My condolences to his wife and family, and to Mike, who was also a great fraternity brother and we roomed together for a time.
Dear Herlene and Sandy.
Janet informed us about the passing of your husband and dad Jim. Athough we have never had the pleasure of meeting him, we are touched by this message. Accept our diepest sympathies. We wish you much strength.
Aunt Alie en uncle Aalt Selles, Lelystad, Holland.
Guestbook for
James Walker Rich