Born in Bethel on August 13, 19**, and raised in Holy Cross, Harold “Jimmy” Richards has lived a life defined by hard work, adventure, and dedication to family and community. “I grew up in Holy Cross,” he said. “After eighth grade, I went to Copper Valley High School. I was only 13 then. During my senior year, at age 17, two friends (Leo Morgan and Gerald Roberts) and I went to Anchorage for a Navy physical. We passed, and I wrote to my parents for permission to join.”
Just two weeks after graduation, he was in Navy boot camp. He served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, launching jets off the flight deck during the Vietnam War. “It was a life-filling experience,” he said. “It gave me confidence and took me all over Hawaii, Asia-Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. He said, “I was proud to serve.” He was honorably discharged in 1970 at age 20.
Picture captures Jimmy Richards on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk launching fighter jets while serving in the US Navy
Roots and Family
His parents are Edward and Ida Richards, who came from Holy Cross, as did generations before. “My grandpa James Richards was the only survivor in his family after the 1900 plague,” he shared. “They brought him to the mission in Holy Cross. That’s where our family story begins.” He married Sophia Filka who also survived the 1900 plague from the Koyukuk River area and was sent to the mission. His maternal grandparents were Roland and Flossy Dutchman.
He grew up with six sisters Leona, Yvonne, Elaine, Diane, Ruth, and Ursula and four brothers Boise, (late) Eddie Boy, Kenny, and Franklin. Since 1981, he’s shared his life with his partner, Nora Elliott. “She told me, ‘If you drink, you’re out of here,’” he said with a laugh. “I quit for the most part, and it was for the better.” “If I drank, I would never over do it.” 40 years + later we are still together.
Career Built on Opportunity
After returning from the Navy, he found himself back home in Holy Cross. “I got stuck there for a while,” he said. “My first job was as the janitor for head start and Vita (Walker) was my boss. I did that for two years.”
Then, opportunity came knocking. “One winter, the BLM came around recruiting surveyors for training. I didn’t even know what surveying was, but I signed up anyway. I worked for BLM for two years, and by that time the pipeline was starting up. I quit and joined the Teamsters Union as a surveyor.”
That decision led to a 30-year career, earning him the satisfaction of a job well done. “I retired around 2010 or 2011,” he said. “But I still went back to work here and there. Couldn’t stay idle too long.” He retired fully at age 66.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
Looking back, he credits much of his success to his willingness to try new things. “Don’t be scared of getting into new stuff,” he advised. “Just go and do it. If you’re young, you can do anything. The main thing I learned is that you got to have a good education to get ahead in this world.”
He added, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what it is, you can be trained to do it. Take advantage of opportunities. You never know what kind of experience you’ll get into, and that’s what enriches your life.”
Pride, Purpose, and Perspective
When asked what he’s most proud of, his answer comes easily. “Joining the Navy at 17 that was pretty young,” he said. “It was an exciting adventure. It really opened up my world.” His advice to his younger self? “Education is the key to life. Don’t be afraid to take up new things. Use your mind and jump on the opportunities that come your way.”
He also believes strongly in caring for the planet. “We’ve got to save the world,” he said. “This is the only planet we’ve got. No matter what anyone says, climate change is real.”
As the oldest child in his family, he learned early the value of responsibility. “I packed water, got wood, did whatever my family needed,” he said. “It taught me not to be lazy, to help my family, help my community. That’s what life’s about.”
From a village boy in Holy Cross to a sailor on the high seas and a career surveyor, Jimmy’s story is one of perseverance, pride, and lifelong learning.
