Jack's formative years were spent in Schenectady, where he attended Elmer Avenue Elementary and Central Park Middle School, demonstrating early leadership as the President of Student Council and a key player on the two-year undefeated basketball team. His academic and athletic prowess continued at Nott Terrace High School, where he graduated with honors, served as Senior Class President, and excelled in football (co-captain), wrestling, and track. Jack's thirst for knowledge and love of sports led him to Wesleyan University, where he earned a Liberal Arts degree with honors.
As a New England Wrestling Champion in 1958 and a skilled lacrosse midfielder, Jack embodied the spirit of a true student-athlete. His pursuit of excellence continued at McGill University's Medical School, where he graduated with honors, dominated in wrestling, and played on an undefeated intramural basketball team. Dr.
Richards' medical career was as distinguished as his academic one. After completing his internship and general surgery training at Hartford Hospital, he served the United States Army for two years, including a year as a trauma surgeon in Vietnam. Jack had the unique gift of being able to always find the humor in any situation, and in typical Jack fashion, his stories from his time as a MASH unit doctor focused less on the harrowing experience and more on the unlikely comedy and camaraderie that he experienced during that time.
Following his service, his orthopedic residency at Campbell Cli.
