Jim Richards
Jim Richards, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach and longtime leader of Western Kentucky University Athletics, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at The Medical Center at Bowling Green, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.
Born on July 16, 1936, in Lebanon, Kentucky, to the late Demaree and Mary Richards, Jim was a native of Adair County and devoted much of his life to serving the people and institutions he loved. His contributions to WKU spanned more than four decades, during which he distinguished himself as a student-athlete, coach, administrator and passionate supporter of Hilltopper Athletics. A member of the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame, Richards leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, achievement, encouragement and devotion to his family and community.
Richards began his relationship with Western Kentucky University as a student-athlete, earning four letters in baseball from 1955 to 1958. He led the Hilltoppers in batting in each of his four seasons and served as team captain during his final three years. He graduated from WKU in 1959, beginning a lifelong connection to the university that would shape his professional career and personal legacy.
Before returning to his alma mater, Richards established himself as one of Kentucky’s successful high school basketball coaches, serving at Auburn and Glasgow high schools. In 1968, he led Glasgow to a Kentucky state championship, further cementing his reputation as an accomplished coach and leader. That same year, Richards returned to WKU as an assistant men’s basketball coach under John Oldham. During his three seasons on the staff, the Hilltoppers compiled a 62-19 record, won two Ohio Valley Conference championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. The highlight came during the 1970-71 season, when WKU advanced to the NCAA Final Four. The Hilltoppers fell to Villanova, 92-89, in a double-overtime semifinal before defeating Kansas, 77-75, in the national third-place game.
Following Oldham’s retirement in 1971, Richards was named head coach of the Hilltoppers, a position he held for seven seasons. He compiled a 102-84 record and guided WKU to Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championships in 1972 and 1976, tournament championships in 1976 and 1978, and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1976 and 1978. He was named OVC Coach of the Year in both 1974 and 1976.
Among Richards’ most memorable accomplishments was the Hilltoppers’ remarkable 1977-78 season. After beginning the year with a 3-8 record, WKU rallied to earn a place in the NCAA Tournament. The team defeated nationally ranked Syracuse, 87-86, in overtime in the opening round to advance to the Sweet 16. The Hilltoppers finished the season with a 16-14 record, demonstrating the resilience and determination that characterized Richards’ coaching career. After stepping away from basketball coaching in 1978, Richards continued his service to WKU Athletics as coordinator of men’s athletics and head men’s golf coach, positions he held through 1986. Under his leadership, each of his eight golf teams recorded a winning season. He remains the winningest head coach in program history by both single-season and career victories. Richards also served as the first executive director of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation, helping the organization achieve record fundraising growth during its formative years. His commitment to strengthening WKU’s athletic programs extended beyond competition, as he worked to build the support and resources necessary for future generations of Hilltoppers.
In 1986, Richards transitioned to WKU’s Office of Alumni Affairs, serving as director of alumni affairs until he returned to the athletic department as interim director of athletics in September 1993. He was formally appointed director of athletics in July 1994 and served in that role until his retirement in November of that year. In recognition of his many accomplishments as a student-athlete, coach and administrator, Richards was inducted into the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. His influence remains woven into the university’s history through the championships he helped achieve, the programs he strengthened and the countless individuals he encouraged throughout his career.
WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart reflected on Richards’ extraordinary impact, noting his service as an assistant basketball coach, head coach, director of athletics and member of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Board. “It was an honor to know him and always a pleasure to be in his presence,” Stewart said. “He loved WKU Basketball as much as anybody.” Mahurin Family Foundation Head Coach Hank Plona also paid tribute to Richards, remembering him as a special coach, man and Hilltopper whose joy, enthusiasm and belief in others inspired everyone around him. Plona recalled that Richards continued to encourage the team and express confidence in its future, even in his final days.
Richards’ legacy extended far beyond the basketball court. He was known for his optimism, his genuine interest in others and his ability to encourage people to believe in themselves and the possibilities ahead. His decades of service reflected a deep commitment to WKU and the Hilltopper family, but his greatest pride and most enduring love were found in his own family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Annette Richards; his son, Steve Richards (Cindy); his daughter, Missy Renfro (Mike); and his grandchildren, Curtis Richards, Casey Richards, Audrey Richards, Clayton Richards and TJ Renfro (Anna).
He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Ruth Ann Renfro; step grandsons Lincoln and Collin Gay, his brother, “Jody”Richards (Neva); and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by and his daughter, Ann Waggener Richards along with his parents, Demaree and Mary Richards, Jim Richards will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, an accomplished coach and administrator, and a true Hilltopper whose life was defined by service, loyalty and love. His influence on WKU Athletics will endure for generations, and the many lives he touched will carry forward the lessons, encouragement and enthusiasm he shared so freely. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever remain part of the history and the heart of Western Kentucky University.
Funeral services for Jim Richards have been entrusted to J. C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Visitation will be held at E. A. Diddle Arena on the campus of Western Kentucky University on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jim’s honor to the Ann Waggener Memorial Scholarship at Western Kentucky University, in memory of his beloved daughter and in support of future generations of Hilltoppers.
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