In profound sorrow we the Management & Staff of Turnbull's Funeral Home & Crematory Services announce the passing of James A. Richards, Sr., of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands who passed away Monday, September 04, 2023.  Alden, as he was known to all, was born on October 17, 1948, on the island St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to John Alwyn and Ada Comissiong Richards. He was the youngest of the couple's six children. A proud "Savanero," he never failed to point out the house in which he was born whenever passing by.  In the mid 1950's his family relocated to Miami to further the musical career of his father, "Lad" Richards. While in Miami, Alden attended elementary school and began his secondary education at Booker T. Washington High School. When his family returned to St. Thomas, he continued his education at the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, graduating with the class of 1966. He attended the College of the Virgin Islands (now the University of the Virgin Islands), graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology in 1976. Alden was a health and physical education teacher for over 30 years with the Virgin Islands Department of Education. He taught at Wayne Aspinall Jr. High School, Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, Charlotte Amalie High School and Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. In addition to basic physical fitness skills, he enjoyed working with his students to develop their abilities in basketball, softball, football, soccer, and of course in his favorite sport, tennis. Alden was well known for his involvement in cultivating the sport of tennis in the territory. He dedicated years to the coaching and teaching of both children and adults. In addition to his major involvement with the development of junior tennis and the Virgin Islands Tennis Association, he also served as coach for the University Sports Federation and captain of the V.I. Davis Cup team. He was a part-time tennis instructor at the University of the Virgin Islands. He held the position of "tennis pro" at many local venues including the St Thomas Yacht Club, Bluebeard's Castle Hotel and the former Stouffer Grand Beach Resort. His love for the sport allowed him to travel the world, coaching VI teams as they played on both the US mainland and international locations such as China, Cuba, Japan, Mexico and Serbia. He was preceded in death by his parents John Alwyn Richards, Sr. and Ada Comissiong Richards. Alden is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Cynthia A. Perry Richards, son James Alden 'Jamie' Richards, Jr., daughters, Jendai Richards and Anya Richards, adopted daughter, Djalna McSween. Grandchildren: Armani and Kayla George, London Broderick, Aria Richards and Joshaun Fenton; Brothers: John A. Richards Jr., Enrique Richards, and Albert Richards Sr. Sisters: Tess Haney and Sally Morton; Uncle Gilbert Comissiong; Brother-in-law: James Haney Sr.; Daughter-in-Law Alena James-Richards; Sisters-in-Law: Clara Richards, Kathleen Richards, Felicita Richards; Nieces: Aisha Richards, Fawn (Clayton) Day, Kristie (Richard) Wright, Lisa Haney, Kateri (Keith) Criswell, Nikole (Kevin) Jenkins, Michelle (Joel) Richardson, Kim (Steve)Tolbert, Chantal (Ivan) Figueroa, Tess (Adam) Flowers, and Amber (Timothy) Lake. Nephews: Herbert Morton, Jr., James (Monique) Haney Jr., John (Kamille) Richards III, and Albert (Genelle) Richards Jr.; Godchildren: Ervin Dorsett, Jr., Monique Dorsett, and Grayson Belle. Close family and friends: Dr. Sidney Comissiong, Joel Comissiong, Nicole LaBorde Joseph, Jason

George, Sharlene Harris, Devin Dandridge, Louis Taylor, Jr., Natasha Jones, Oren Stephens, Wayne John, Samuel "Captain" Harris, Hubert Bailey, Alaric Joseph, Dr. Ronald Harrigan, Arthur Solomon, Pedrito Estrill, Keith Soanes, members of the Sts. Peter & Paul class of 1966, members of the Brown, Husband, Lewis, Morris, Nicholas, Richards, Smith, Wallace, Boschulte and Comissiong families including great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and other family, friends, and loved ones.