James "Richard" Gann, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 3, 2024. He was born January 30, 1948, in Denison, TX to Julia Mildred Goode and James Oliver Gann. He graduated from Denison High School in 1969. After high school, he graduated from Grayson County College with a certification in Piano Tuning and Repair. He worked primarily as a freelance piano tuner and a piano tuning teacher at Grayson County College until the program closed. He also worked at Johns Mansville. Following a passion for music, he pursued work at Sound Warehouse in Dallas as well as Khan's Piano as a piano tuner for several years.

Richard was also a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player in several local bands, including Crossfire. He was well known for playing in local clubs with bands in the area and always lending a hand to musicians whenever needed. Richard was a member of The Woodman of the World and Parkside Baptist Church for many years.

Richard was well known for being passionate about his beliefs and hobbies. Along with several others in the community he dedicated much of his time to saving the Old Denison High School building on Main Street in 2007. He always had a knack for making friends, and the Old DHS cause helped to make him part of the Downtown Denison community. Richard would do anything and help anyone if he was able to do so.

Richard was a dedicated collector of Beatles memorabilia. He was a particular fan of Yes and bands in the progressive rock scene. As time when on, his love of music never waned, and he continued to be open to trying new genres, expanding to the rock of the 90s and early 00s. He was an animal lover with a special love for cats, raising several over the years.

Richard is laid to rest at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Sherman, Texas.