August 14, 2024 - (Callaway, Minnesota) James (Jim) Fleming Richards Jr., 84, of Maplelag Resort fame, passed away on August 3, surrounded by loving family and friends after suffering a stroke reports the Detroit Tribune.

Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Jim was an avid hockey player and played for Dartmouth College for four years. After graduating he worked at his father’s construction company before joining the army. Later he and his brother Fred began a business of making ponds in wetlands using low-cost explosives.

Discovering the art of Norwegian antiques along the way, Jim and his wife Mary opened Maplelag Resort in 1974 which became a renowned cross-country ski resort, in addition to becoming one of the largest producers of maple syrup in Minnesota.

Known for its world-class hospitality, the charming resort has hosted visitors from across the USA, Canada and abroad. With fabulous xc skiing on almost 70 kilometres of trails for both skate and classic skiing, there are 15km of separate trails which are groomed for fat biking. Summer activities include mountain biking and fishing along with weddings and retreats, including a resort/conference centre.

Maplelag Resort was a long-standing member of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and loved the camaraderie of meeting up with fellow members and sharing stories while networking at conferences.

The main lodge also became a museum of Jim’s collectables of Americana history, consisting of duck and fish decoys, homemade skis and other ethnic and historical items. Sadly in 2022, those items and the lodge were destroyed in a fire, but the Richards’ children, Debbie and Jay, are rebuilding the main lodge and have been renovating and remodeling the cabins and other on-site facilities.

Jim’s work ethic and adventurous spirit will continue to be present as Maplelag moves forward into its next chapter. He loved connecting with people, asking many questions to hear their stories as well as sharing his own.

A private celebration of Jim’s life will be held for close family and friends.

Read more in the Detroit Tribune here and on the Maplelag Resort website here.

Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes joins the cross-country ski community in thanking Jim for his many contributions to the sport, and in extending condolences to his family and friends.