J. Morris Richards (1906-1999) was a World War II veteran, journalist, editor, educator, politician, and historian.

Joseph Morris Richards was born 18 October 1906 in Joseph City, Arizona, to Mary Sophia Westover and James Willie Richards. He received his BA in Education from Northern Arizona University in 1929 and his MA from the University of Arizona. He married Aloa Dixon Richards. They had two children together: Maria Christeena and David Morris.

He served in the US Army during World War II, starting as a private and ending as a 1st lieutenant. He continued in the Reserves and eventually ended at the rank of captain. After earning his MA, Richards worked as a reporter for the Winslow Daily Mail. After only a few months he became an editor, and served as such from 1947-1965. While working as an editor, he also served as a state senator for Arizona from 1957-1963. In 1965 he became a journalism instructor at Brigham Young University until his retirement in 1974.

Not too long after his retirement, he was awarded the Northern Arizona University’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 1976. Richards was very active in his community and participated in many groups and activities including serving as a director of publicity and advertisement for the Arizona State Fair, working with the Young Democrats of Arizona, and working as a special assistant to the governor of Arizona. He also became an amateur historian of Arizona and published many articles and books, some of which are contained in the collection. Richards was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in various callings including bishop and high councilman. Richards died 5 January 1999 in Arizona.