Jaime A. Richards' Obituary
Jaime Augusto Richards, of Miami, FL, passed away on November 19, 2022 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”). He was born on February 22, 1944 in Parque Lefevre, Republic of Panama to Henry “Keith” and Leonie Richards. He was first of eight children, and affectionately known as “Jimmy” to his family and friends. Upon graduating from Richard Newman High School in Panama City, Panama, he went on to study automotive mechanics at Rodolfo Diesel Trade School and later became a Master Mechanic of vehicles and motorized ground equipment.
Jaime moved to The United States in 1970 with his then-wife Gloria Pringle Richards. He landed his first job as an auto mechanic at the Senate Dodge Car Dealership in Washington, D.C. and bought his first home in Bladensburg, MD in 1973. Jaime continuously refined his expertise by obtaining automotive service certifications to become a master mechanic. In the mid 1970’s, he went to work for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority as a master mechanic responsible for maintaining the public Metro-bus transit fleet. In 1985, Jaime moved to Miami, FL, where he was initially employed by Midas Auto Repair Shop to service vehicles and train novice mechanics. On September 4, 2005, he proudly took the oath to become a United States Citizen. In 2019, he retired from INET Airport Systems at Miami International Airport after twenty-one years of service. Jaime was well love around Miami International Airport and received many accolades for his expertise in maintaining and sustaining the airport ground equipment. Jaime loved working on cars and was always willing to help a friend or family member fix their vehicle in his spare time.
Jaime was predeceased by his father, Henry Richards and brother, Howard Richards. Jaime is survived by his dear mother, Leonie Richards; cherished children Gercha White (Frank), Mario Richards, Melissa Ransom (Derreous), Jaime A. Richards III, and Giselle Kirksey (Leon); beloved grandchildren J’Nae White, Antonio Richards, Alexis White, Jamila White, Reina Ransom, Rachel Ransom and Derreous Ransom, Jr.; siblings Amelia Mayers, Enrique Richards, Camilo Richards, Carlos Richards, Nilka Richards, and Cesar Richards; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and many other loving family members and friends.
Early in life, Jaime understood the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic into each one of his children. He also understood the importance
of enjoying the fruits of his labor and celebrating life with the ones he loved the most. Jaime was a man of strong faith and a member of the Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, FL. He truly adored his family, especially his children and grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Jaime was very charismatic, always full of life and brought joy to those he met and loved. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Memorial Plan San Jose Funeral Home, 4850 Palm Ave., Hialeah, FL 33012. Final viewing and visitation will commence one hour prior to the service at 10:00am.
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