Sam Patrick
My sincerest condolences to the entire Rickards Family. I share your grief with Jim's passing. I met Jim at USMC Infantry Training School at Camp Pendleton CA in early 1977. From ITS, we both served at Marine Barracks, Panama Canal Zone and ultimately ended up with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division at Camp LeJeune, NC. Those days were the best I can remember. Our friendship, though brief through service, was very memorable. We stayed in touch after our separation from the Marines. It was an honor and a privilege to know Jim. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with him. A good man. Thoughtful, respectful and fiercly dedicated to everything he was involved in. Semper Fidelis, my friend.
