Firefighter Jimmy Riches died heroically on September 11‚ 2001‚ Engine Company 4 of FDNY. Jimmy was 29 years young and would have been 30 on September 12. Always with a smile on his face‚ tall‚ strong‚ handsome with a kind and generous heart. He lived life to the fullest.
Jimmy was a great athlete‚ receiving all-city honors in New York City and a basketball scholarship to Belmont Abbey in North Carolina.
Jimmy died doing what he loved to do‚ helping others‚ a true American hero.
James Riches
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
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On a visit to New York in 2013 I visited the memorial site. Reading the names of the people who lost their lives, one name seemed to jump out at me for some reason, James Riches. I researched a little about him & have kept him in my prayers & thoughts since that moment. It’s Jimmys birthday on Tuesday the 12th of September, & I will have a celebration drink for him.
– Liz DuckworthThinking of his lovely family & firefighter friends on this special day.
“Happy birthday Jimmy”
I completed a memorial stair climb today. I grabbed a random name out of a box to climb for. James Riches is who I got.
– Michael VaughnI rucked 110 stories to “Embrace the Suck”. Rest in peace and may peace be your family.
I climbed in memory of Jimmy this year. We are forever grateful for his sacrifice. We are praying for his family and want you to know we won’t forget this hero.
– Leslie MastersToday I footed ninety flights of stairs in rememberance of heroes fallen on 9/11/2001. I reminisced the exact moment in time i stood and watched as our country fell victim to foreign attack. Today I want to share my gratitude to James Riches, an NYPD firefighter and his fallen brethren that gave their lives to protect the innocent. I am forever grateful in particular to Mr. Riches selfless service. Thank you from the bottom of my heart .
– Erik JessenAs someone who went to high school with Jimmy, he was a good soul. Always had a smile.
You’ll never be forgotten.
– Michael TricaricoA client of mine is a fire chief here in San Diego, CA. He invited my wife and I to do the 9/11 memorial stair climb this past Saturday 9/8/18. I had always wanted to but this was an honor that “life getting in the way” wouldn’t stop. I choose Jimmy when his name stood out for some reason in the choices for who I would climb for. I wore his picture around my neck, rang the bell saying his name, crossed myself with one hand while touching a piece of the trade center with the other hand while saying a silent prayer each lap of the 110 stories climbed for him. Upon looking Jimmy’s beautiful life up on Firerescue1.com I noticed his favorite quote was “its not the years in your life, its the life in your years.” On my fridge, as I read that, is a magnet that says “its not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years.” I am more than sure he was the most beautiful of humans, bravest of men, and the type of person this whole world is more empty without. My deepest thoughts and prayers with you and your family and my deepest gratitude and respect to Jimmy. I didn’t have the honor of knowing him, but through the stairs I somehow do. Thank you Jimmy.
– Rich Mackieso painful to think of the unjust loss of innocent selfless heroes like Jimmy and all the victims who didn’t make it out that day.Jimmy my thoughts always go back to the heroes & everyone inside those buildings that day,you shall be remembered by not just your closest loved ones who met you,but by all who felt 9/11 close to home.I was living in nyc so maybe it hits me harder,but know you’ll always be in our prayers.
– JudithOn September 7, 2019, I participated in the San Diego Stair Climb. I rang the bell and said Jimmy’s name before heading up those stairs. Thank you for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten Jimmy.
– Katie HansenWe miss you Uncle Jimmy! Always Back the Blue & Back our Firefighters. All are Heroes!
– Jonny RichesI am Dennis Riches my Father was James F Riches from Brooklyn NY We are so sorry at the loss of your son Jimmy may God Bless him
– Dennis P RichesClimbed the 9/11 Memorial Stair climb in your honor today on what would have been your 49th birthday. Your memory will not be forgotten.
– Courtney BlevinsGOD BLESS AMERICA AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
– Lisa PetrowI don’t know you but young Jimmy who was named after you did a reading of the names on 9/11. I watch it almost every year. A few of my towns residents passed away on that day in the twin towers.
Worked with Jimmy in the early 90’s in the 84 Precinct.. Always a standup guy. I learned from Jimmy on how to work hard and have fun doing it. I was always scared to confirm it was him. Until today, many years later and many friends later. Always prayed not him and someone else. To his family… You guys did a great job.. Awesome person. God bless him and you guys.
– Adam RamosRIP Jimmy! A friend of mine from Belmont Abbey….thinking of you and your family on this 9/11 day.
– Alyson PerryClimbed the tower at BYU in Provo, UT on 9/11. Grabbed Riches badge. I’m 27 but I have an older that just turned 30 like Riches would’ve. Can’t imagine your life being cut that short. Grateful for all emergency responders that day. You’ll always be remembered.
– Megan Cox