New York City has lost one of its quiet giants — a firefighter whose courage, grief, and unbreakable devotion to service became the very definition of heroism.
Retired Deputy Chief James “Jim” Riches Sr., who rushed to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, searching for survivors even as he mourned the loss of his own son, passed away on Thanksgiving Day at age 74. His death, caused by a 9/11-related illness, marks the end of a life spent in service, sacrifice, and unwavering love for his family and his city.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association honored him in a heartfelt tribute, writing:
“Deputy Chief Riches exemplified the highest traditions of our department… His courage, leadership, and commitment to protecting life will forever be remembered.”
Jim joined the FDNY in 1977 and served for 30 years, rising through the ranks with a reputation for strength, humility, and an unmatched dedication to the job. But it was September 11 that forever changed — and defined — his life.
His eldest son, Jimmy Riches Jr., responded with Engine 4 to the North Tower that morning and never came home.
And so, Jim did what only a father with extraordinary heart could do:
He returned to Ground Zero day after day — for nine long months — searching through ash, twisted steel, and heartbreak for his boy. Along the way, he helped recover the remains of countless civilians, firefighters, and police officers, refusing to leave anyone behind.
On March 5, 2002, he finally found his son.
“We got to bury him,” he wrote years later. “People talk about closure, but that’s not closure. I’ll never get closure until my son walks through that door.”
Despite his grief, Jim transformed his pain into purpose. He became a powerful voice for 9/11 families, chairing the Parents and Families of Firefighters organization and speaking before city, state, and federal leaders — including President Barack Obama. He pushed, loudly and fearlessly, for truth, justice, and accountability.
Friends and colleagues describe him as nothing less than a legend.
“Everybody loved him, respected him, looked up to him,” said retired Lieutenant Jim McCaffrey, whose own family was touched by the tragedy of 9/11. “It’s an understatement to say what an honor it was to become friends with Jim Riches and his family.”
Even in heartbreaking times, Jim found pride. Three of his four children went on to join the FDNY, carrying his legacy into a new generation of New York’s Bravest.
Jim Riches lived and died with the soul of a guardian — a man who served with strength, mourned with honesty, and fought for what was right with every breath he had left. His passing is more than the loss of a firefighter. It is the loss of a father, a friend, a mentor, and a symbol of the resilient heart of New York.
His memory will continue to burn brightly in the city he loved and protected.
Visitation will be held Sunday at McLaughlin & Sons Funeral Home in Brooklyn, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.
