James Earl Richmond

Former Charles County Superintendent of Schools, James E. Richmond, passed away April 24, 2024, at his home in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Mr. Richmond, formerly of La Plata, was a respected educator. He started his career in 1966 as a high school social studies teacher. He retired from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) in 2013 after serving four terms as Superintendent.

Mr. Richmond was born in Fayetteville, NC on June 5, 1943, to the late James Willard Richmond and the late Helen Blue Bateman. Mr. Richmond is survived by his wife, Lucy Richmond, children, William J. Richmond (Carey), Kathryn Brooke Rieman (Joseph), Stephen Anthony Ramos (Danielle), and David Probasco (Matthew). He is also survived by two sisters, Vicki Gareau (Larry) and Sharon Balard, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.

Mr. Richmond was student-centered and could often be seen at schools reading to children, talking to staff, and meeting with students. He said student involvement and opinions helped him to develop relevant education programs.

While serving as Superintendent, Mr. Richmond was honored for his work to provide a quality education for all students. He pushed for the
development of a countywide science center which is located in St. Charles High School and bears his name. He negotiated with county agencies to place a nurse in every school and resource officers in the middle and high schools. He oversaw the building of four schools and completed renovations and expansion for four others. He successfully received funding for the school system’s first indoor pool at Henry E. Lackey High School.

Mr. Richmond earned many local, state and national honors. He was the 2003 Maryland Superintendent of the Year. Additionally, the Space Foundation, in partnership with other agencies, presented Mr. Richmond with the Alan Shepard Technology in Education award. The local and state branches of the NAACP recognized Mr. Richmond’s work, presenting him with the Daisy Bates Educational Advocacy Award.

During his 47-year career, Mr. Richmond worked as a teacher at La Plata High School and transferred to Thomas Stone High School in 1969 when it opened. He became principal at Stone in 1973. In 1985 he was appointed director of supervision and curriculum. Before becoming Superintendent, Mr. Richmond also served as director of school administration and as a regional administrator until being appointed as interim Superintendent.

Mr. Richmond was a champion of students as well as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was an excellent golfer and loved reading history books and spending time with his grandchildren.

A private burial will be held in Chapel Point, MD.  A celebration of life will follow on May 18, 2024, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the James E. Richmond Science Center, St. Charles High School, 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, MD  20602.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the James E. Richmond Science Center Memorial Fund. The donations will go towards scholarships in honor of Jim's love of space and science.
https://sciencecenter.ccboe.com/richmond-memorial

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.