James Richard Fox passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022. He was 76 years old.
Richard was born on December 11, 1945 in Covina, California. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 1968. He served ten years active duty as a line officer in the United States Navy, including two deployments to Vietnam and three years at the US Naval Academy as an instructor of Shipboard Weapons and Engineering Systems. During that time he also earned an MBA from University of Baltimore. Richard then served as Flag Secretary and Aide to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two, serving two admirals.
Lt. Commander Fox was medically discharged in 1978.
Richard, his wife Louise, and their two children, Jennifer and David moved to Virginia Beach. He became an ordained minister. His heart for helping others led him to earn a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Regent University. He had a successful 35 year career as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For the last eight years, he was the Military Family Life Counselor at Birdneck Elementary School while also continuing private practice.
Richard will not only be deeply missed by Louise, Jennifer, David, and his grandson Nathan, but also by all those whose lives he touched. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. People wishing to honor Richard’s lifelong commitment to helping military families can make a donation in his honor to either America’s Gold Star Families or to Angels of America’s Fallen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday April 2nd, 2022 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fox.
Send FlowersPlant a TreeService
Celebration of Life
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Fox
April 2, 2022
2:00pm
Dear Louise, I am so so sorry to hear the news of your dear Richard. I looked forward to seeing his smiling face each week. He was so funny and nice to each and every one of us. You hit the jackpot when you met Richard. Please know my deepest sympathies are for you and your family. May the memories become sweeter and sweeter each and every day in the future…Love, Maureen
Louise know that I love you and am available to help you and your family in any way that you need.
Mr. Fox was one of those individuals you meet in life and never forget. He was kind, compassionate, thoughtful, on and on. He was so attentive to the staff and students at Birdneck Elementary. He brightened each and every day with his smile. I am so thankful that God placed him in my life. He will be missed but I know I will see him again. Prayers of comfort for Mr. Fox’s family and friends.
Louise and family–
We were so sorry to hear about Richard. He was such a friendly and happy man whenever we saw him in the neighborhood.
Please accept our condolences and prayers at his difficult time.
Warren and Nancy Harding
I worked at Birdneck for many years and one of my favorites was Mr. Fox. He was very kind and always had a smile on his face. I’m very sad to hear about his passing. Heaven has gained another angel. He loved his work and the children meant the world to him. May he Rest In Peace. He will be missed so much.
Louise and family, My heart hurts for your loss. Please know that our family is keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers. Hoping that so many wonderful memories can help ease your sorrow. With love,
What a loving couple! Prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
My sincerest condolences to Richard’s wife and family! He is an extraordinary person, kindhearted, humorous, very friendly, and made you feel good about yourself when others made you feel less. He will be missed.
My only regret is that I kept on delaying when he would offer me some of his hydrangea plants which he has adorned in his backyard. But every time I will see this magnificent flowers/plant, it will remind me of a magnificent man that had left us too soon.
Rest in Peace my friend!
He was my LCP years ago, and I always wanted to go back, but my insurance did not cover. He was a great person not only in his field, but as a Counselor, and as a person. So sorry to hear this in the paper today. I would like to know what happened. I am almost sure he is the same person; if I am wrong let me know at Myfluffy1958@yahoo.com. I would like to know about his funeral as well. So sorry! Hope to learn more. I told my Doctor I would like to see him again (Dr. King) who I am sure he knew.
Sincerely,
VICKIE D. PETERSON
We remember many times we shared living there in Kings Grant on Adrian Court. Our deepest sympathy to each of you as you go through the days ahead and may your sweetest memories give you comfort and peace. Keep a song of remembrance in your heart forever.
Dear Louise, Jennifer, and David.. I could not have been more surprised to hear of Richard’s passing from this life to his new life in Christ. What a glorious day for him and at the same time, a sad day for us. I will always remember his kindness to me and encourage me and raising a teenage daughter. His humor in finding the best in every circumstance was a gift to all of us. Louise, we asked the Holy Spirit to continue to be your comforter, filling you with his wisdom and knowledge as you move forward. We would love to meet you some Morning at Marilyn’s house… At a time of your choosing. We love you dearly, precious sister in Christ. Shalom! Shalom!
Louise, Jennifer,Nathan and David,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Richard ( Mr. Fox as he was known at Birdneck ) will be greatly missed. He and I shared many conversations about trips to Disney, hiking the Appalachian trail, playing games of Risk, trips to PA and many jokes. He spoke highly of you all and loved you so much. Each time I see a fox stuffed animal it will bring memories of him using them to help the students at Birdneck whose lives he touched in so many ways. Cherish all your memories and know that he is watching over you.
Please accept my sincere condolences to your family members for the loss of Mr. Fox. I had the honor and pleasure of working with him at Birdneck Elementary School where he not only welcomed me but my children with open arms and the best jokes every morning as he would sign in for the day. He truly made an impact on all of us (students and staff). I know that he will be missed tremendously but he will always remain a part of our family at Birdneck.
Louise and family I cannot express how truly sorry I am for your loss. It was such a pleasure getting to know Richard as he was included on all of our calls. I enjoyed so much our group conversations. He will certainly be missed
Our WW Family when Kathy and I heard it was such a great shock , words can’t express what is in our hearts for you and family ……Life is so crazy at times but God has a plan for all of us which we are not privy to ….. Richard was and is an awesome man and I know God needed his wisdom in heaven ….. Our Hearts are breaking but we should rejoice because he is with our maker and we all will be together one day ….. We love you ……
I’m so sorry to hear that the magical Mr. Fox has departed. My children and I are so fortunate to of had him in our lives and we’re better because of it. Please take pride in knowing he really made a difference in so many lives. My heart hurts for you all having to feel this void. Sending love.
Mr. Fox served many students at Birdneck Elementary. I had the pleasure of partnering with him as he desired to assist students who had a deployed parent. They looked forward to having lunch with him and others who shared the same situation. He was kind in words and deeds. He will be missed.
Mr. Fox was my breath of fresh air every morning. He was such a sweet, thoughtful man. If I didn’t see him for a period of time, he would always make an effort to find me to make sure I was doing okay. He was nothing but positive. I feel honored to have had a friend like him in my life.
He will be missed terribly. RIP Mr. Fox.
Man Mr. Fox was one of a kind! He encouraged me in so many ways, not only as a friend/coworker but as a pastor. He encouraged me on the tough days to remember my why, and he reminded me the importance of keeping God’s love front and center even when it was most difficult. He was kind and had such patience. I’m a better person because of him, and I’m so thankful we got time to spend with him! He loved his family and everyone around him so hard and so well!
We were so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jane Venable WW Mount Airy NC
Louise and Family, so sorry to.hear about Richard . He was such a great guy. Always giving positive and encouraging thoughts on my WW Journey. Louise, My Prayers are with you.
Richard was so very special to me! He was warm, friendly, and always had a funny joke. He had a way of making people feel special. He was our Mr. Louise!
Sending heartfelt condolences to Louise and her family. My and prayers are with you.
My sincere condolences. I worked with Richard for several years and got to hear a lot of great jokes. He always made sure to send me a Happy Birthday email, even after he left the agency. He will be missed!
To the Fox Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Although I did not know Richard personally, I have heard so many wonderful things about him!
My thoughts and prayers are with your Family.
Sincerely,
Marian Belote(WW Coach, Chatham,Va.
Louise and family, Please accept our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May hope sustain you, Friends surround you, And love give you strength.
Louise, I have been praying for you and your family and am so very sorry for this devastating loss.
Louise, I can only imagine how hard this must be. I pray that the Lord would be the lifter of your head in this time of grief. My sincerest condolences.
Louise & family, keeping you in my thoughts & prayers through this difficult time.
Mrs. Fox, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers. I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Fox was such a wonderful man. I enjoyed sitting and talking to him when time allowed. He always had a kind word and lots of wisdom. He will be missed dearly at Birdneck.
Louise and Jennifer, my heart grieves for you and your family. I know how much Rich meant to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nikki
Louise, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sandy Mendelsohn, Abby Friedman and Arlene Owens
(Your ladies from WW, Beth Sholom Village)
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Louise. Keeping you and your family in prayer,
Praying for peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of Mr. Fox. I had the privilege of meeting both of you, Louise, at a marriage encounter at First Assembly of God in Virginia Beach in the mid 80’s and never forgot the kindness shown to my late husband and I. Will continue to keep you and your family in prayer.
Louise, my heart is deeply saddened by your loss, I will continue to send prayers of healing and comfort your way for you and your family.
Louise and Jennifer-I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
So very sorry to hear about the one of a kind Richard Fox he made everyone feel very special with his kindness caring hugs and prayers for Louise and family.
Hi from Lorna Hester, a nurse for a student; just wanted to say Mr. Fox loved his work so much to help the children and the military kids to feel welcome and not afraid; what a joy it was to see him at work. He always had a great smile first thing in the morning at school to help everyone keep motivated and be blessed. Thank you so much for the kindness of Mr. Fox.
A FINE GENTLEMAN, GOOD MAN OF REFINED MANNERS PUNCTUALOIS COURTESY AND THE NICE SENSE OF PERSONAL HONOR. MAY HE REST IN PEACE