James William Richens' Obituary
James William Richens, professor emeritus at the University of Memphis, composer/arranger, assistant conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, husband and father, died January 22, 2026, in Marietta, Ga. He was 89.
Mr. Richens, who was born and raised in Memphis and built a career as a beloved educator and prominent figure in the city’s arts and cultural scene, spent the final years of his life close to family in the Atlanta area. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jane Richens of Alpharetta, Ga.; five children: James W. Richens III (Stacy) of Gig Harbor, Wash.; Dana Richens (Melanie Miller) of Atlanta; Laura Richens (Doug Garrison) of New Orleans; Stuart Richens (Ashli) of Atlanta; and Mark Richens (Nikki) of Suwanee, Ga.; and eight grandchildren: Will (Ashley), Samantha, Henry, Louise, Walker, and Charlotte Richens, and Luke and Ivy Garrison.
Mr. Richens graduated from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, where he distinguished himself in the school’s nationally recognized band program, eventually being inducted into the CBHS Hall of Fame and honored in 1980 as a CBHS Man of Music.
His music studies continued as he attended Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), earning his bachelor’s degree in music composition. He pursued his graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. While at Eastman, where he earned a master’s degree in music theory and composition, Mr. Richens was exposed to the emerging field of electronic music, influencing his career for decades to come. There, he also met his future wife Mary Jane Manfer, an Eastman piano major.
Upon returning to Memphis, Mr. Richens embarked on a 45-year career at his college alma mater. As assistant band director of Memphis State University from 1968 to 1970, he conducted the Mighty Sound of the South marching band at football games and other events. He also taught composition, orchestration, and music theory, and launched the university’s electronic music program.
Parallel to his career with the University of Memphis, Mr. Richens was a member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for more than 40 years. He served in various roles with the orchestra, including as musician (clarinet and bass clarinet), composer in residence, and assistant conductor.
A member of ASCAP, Mr. Richens’s compositions and arrangements have been performed by military bands, school and university ensembles, choirs and orchestras throughout the United States and around the world.
A funeral Mass for Mr. Richens is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis. Burial will follow at Memorial Park in Memphis. The family requests
that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Student Support Fund at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis, or to a charity of one’s choosing.
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