Long Beach City College Mourns the Passing of Former Track & Field Coach Jim Richardson

Jim Richardson, a legendary figure in Long Beach track and field history, passed away, leaving behind a profound legacy as both an athlete and coach. A trailblazer for Long Beach State, Richardson was the first of the program's dynamic sprinters, once holding school records in the 100, 200, 400 meters, and the long jump. His remarkable athletic achievements earned him induction into the prestigious Long Beach State Hall of Fame.

Richardson's impact extended far beyond his competitive years. He began his coaching career at Long Beach Poly High School, where he led his teams to seven Moore League titles and developed 15 All-Americans over 10 years. Between 1972 and 1981, he also guided three cross-country teams to the CIF Championships. His ability to mentor and elevate athletes made him a cornerstone of the Long Beach sports community.

After a three-year stint as an assistant coach at Long Beach State, Richardson joined longtime friend and colleague Ron Allice at Long Beach City College in 1985. Together, they built one of the most successful community college track and field programs in the state. Richardson became the men's head coach in 1995 following Allice's departure to USC.

In his first year as head coach, Richardson led the Vikings to both the Southern California and State Championships—an unprecedented feat at the time. That year, LBCC became the first school in California Community College history to win both the men's and women's Southern California and State titles in the same season. Richardson coached at LBCC until 2005.

Coach Ron Allice reflected on his longtime friend and collaborator:
"We were teammates and very close friends. He was a vital part of the track and field success at Long Beach City College. I couldn't have coached without him at Poly and LBCC. He was a major influence in the city of Long Beach—within the community and at every level of track and field."

Richardson's dedication to the sport and his athletes spanned decades and shaped countless lives. From Poly High to LBCC, his leadership, mentorship, and love for track and field helped define an era in Long Beach athletics. 

Funeral services for Coach Jim Richardson will be held on Thursday, July 31, at 10:00 a.m. at Tower of Faith Church, located in Compton. A repass will follow from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium, North Field.

He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the generations of athletes and coaches he mentored and inspired.