Alma Jay Richins

Alma (Jay) Richins, born January 12, 1951, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He lived a life defined by dedication, resilience, and a deep connection to family and the open road. He was the second born son of Richard E and Phronia Rae Richins, one of six children. Four sons and two daughters – raised first in Montview, Idaho and later in Moses Lake, Washington, where the family farmed and built a life grounded in hard work and togetherness.

Jay graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1969 and later returned to Idaho Falls to attend Washington Idaho Vocational Technical School, where he trained as a welder and fabricator. Although skilled in that trade, he ultimately found his lifelong calling in trucking. His career began with Carnation, Nestle, and Boise Cascade and later grew into his long-haul trucking operation. Jay approached every mile with professionalism and pride, earning a remarkable 6 million accident-free achievement award in 2010, a milestone that reflected his commitment to safety and excellence.

Jay married Sharon Godsill and together they built a steady, hardworking life side by side. Their retirement years were spent in Caldwell, Idaho, where they had a custom home built and enjoyed the comfort and routine of a place created for the life they shared. Sharon’s passing in 2011, after 34 years of marriage, was a significant loss, and Jay carried her memory with him in the years that followed.

Jay was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents, Richard E Richins (2008) and Phronia Richins (2018), his brother Dennis Richins and infant brother Wayne Richins. He is survived by his daughter, Annette Cervine and family, his brother Jim Richins, (Dori) his sisters Susan Allan, Kathy Mitchell (Terry) his sister-in-law Kerri Richins. He is also remembered by extended family, including nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were part of the larger family circle he comes from.

Jay loved trucking, seeing the country, and the simple satisfaction of a job was done well. He found joy in the miles he traveled, the landscapes he witnessed and the steady rhythm of life on the road. His life was one of commitments to his work, to those he cared for, and to the values he carried with him every day.

He will be remembered for his reliability, his quiet humor, and the steady presence he offered to those around him. His legacy lives on in the memories shared and the lives shaped by his presence.

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