James "Jim" Fleming Richards Jr

James (Jim) Fleming Richards Jr., 84, of Callaway, Minnesota, passed away on August 3, 2024, after suffering a stroke. He was surrounded by loving family and friends as he took his last breath on earth.

Jim was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on September 19, 1939, to James Fleming Richards Sr. and Marion Sanders Richards. He grew up in Edina, Minnesota; hockey was his sport, in which he participated in three state hockey tournaments as an Edina Hornet, graduating in 1957 (Jim was affectionately called “Worky” or “Shirt”). He was thrilled to play hockey for Dartmouth College for four years, graduating with a geology degree in 1961. He then went on to work for his father’s company, “James F Richards Construction Company” in Texas, building jetties and seawalls, before joining the United States Army in August of 1962. His whole 49th Armored Division was activated for the Cuban Missile Crisis in September of that year. After leaving both the military and other work projects for his father’s company, Jim returned to Minnesota. In the summer of 1965, he began the business, “BOOM…POTHOLES,” with his brother Fred Richards, making ponds in wetlands using low-cost explosives. He would continue this for 25 years. It was during his travels “blasting” that he discovered the art of Norwegian antiques, and began collecting items to the point where he co-authored a book, “The Treasury of Norwegian Folk Art.” His interest in Norway led him to initiate his own student program where he advertised in Norwegian farm towns for students to work at Maplelag. This was a very successful program hosting over 40 students. In May of 1966 he married Mary (Gotta) Richards; they lived in Edina, Minnesota before moving in 1973 with their children, Debbie and Jay, to “the woods” --now known as Maplelag (a Destination Cross-Country Ski Center). Jim had the simple idea of making maple syrup, which they did as a family for twelve years. Maplelag became one of the largest producers in Minnesota, producing over 400 gallons in one season. They ceased production in 1988. Lodging began in 1974, at the suggestion of another maple syrup producer who asked if he could bring a group of friends and rent the Sugarhouse. Maplelag was also awarded the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year Award in 1982.

Maplelag began hosting the Concordia College Language Village programs each summer, beginning in 1976. A lodge was built to accommodate the camps. The main lodge allowed Jim and Mary to run a fully operational cross-country ski resort, which turned into one of the top destination ski resorts in the United States, a place that has been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people, including skiing, biking, weddings, retreats and language learning. The lodge also became a museum of Jim’s collectables of Americana history, consisting of duck and fish decoys, homemade skis, station/depot signs, lunch boxes and other items of ethnic-folk history–sadly, those items were destroyed in the lodge fire of 2022. Jim’s work ethic and adventurous spirit will continue to be present as Maplelag moves forward in this next chapter. 

Jim loved connecting with people, asking many questions to hear their stories as well as sharing his. He loved the variety and uniqueness of food from all places and cultures. Jim’s mind and memory were sharp, aware and always curious. Jim traveled extensively throughout the world and the US, but he most loved Maplelag and the family, friends and guests that made it come alive. Jim was using his chainsaw and mowing until the last month of his life. He will be remembered as one of the most unique visionaries and personalities, with a strong work ethic and adventurous spirit. This is not the end for Jim but just the beginning for by the grace of God we will see him again.

Jim will be dearly missed by his family: wife Elizabeth (Liz) Mbaiza; brother Fred Richards, daughter, Debbie (Dan) Griffith; son, Jay (Jonell) Richards; grandchildren, Jake (Anna) Richards, Jon Richards, Jack Richards, Jens Richards, Marco (Rachel) Griffith, Peter Griffith, Joey Griffith and David Griffith; and three great-grandchildren, Eira Richards, Casper Griffith and Svea Griffith.

A private celebration of Jim’s life will be held for close family and friends.