Richard Jaccaud Obituary

Rich Jaccaud, a gregarious and fun-loving man, lived a life filled with countless, meaningful relationships. He was a gifted storyteller with a knack for making people laugh. Rich was the kind of person who was “everyone’s friend,” able to relate effortlessly with people from all walks of life. He always took the time to stay connected with people--extended family, former students, colleagues, and friends old and new.

Rich passed away at his home in Denver on January 4, 2026, at the age of 81, with his loving wife, Monica, by his side. Rich’s life story began on April 30, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, where he was born to John Thomas Jaccaud and Kathleen Vosper Jaccaud. He grew up in Akron, Billings, Denver, and Carlsbad, graduating from Carlsbad High School in 1962. As a boy, he was involved in Scouting, becoming an Eagle Scout at just 12 years old, one of the youngest in the nation at the time. He often shared stories from attending the National Jamboree at Valley Forge and his troop’s Canadian canoe trip.

Rich attended Colorado State College in Greeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Secondary Education, followed by a Master of Arts in Educational Media. While there, he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He later completed postgraduate work at the University of Denver while on sabbatical. In 1968, Rich, along with his brothers, Tom and Terry, were called to active duty in the US Air Force. Rich and Terry were stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.

Rich had a long and rewarding career as an art educator for more than three decades in the Cherry Creek School District. Known affectionately as “Mr. J” or “The Pottery Dude,” he taught drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery, and more. His classroom was a welcoming place of encouragement, high expectations, and enthusiasm. Students remembered how he made success feel achievable; colleagues admired his dedication to students, faculty, and the school community. He was honored as Smoky Hill High School’s Teacher of the Year in 1990–1991.

During his years at Smoky Hill, Rich met the love of his life, Monica. They married in 1986 and built a life full of laughter, a shared passion for teaching, companionship, and travel. During school breaks, they explored the country, visiting art galleries, museums, and places of interest. Many weeks during summers were spent in Michigan with Monica’s family.

A lifelong achiever and self taught craftsman, Rich always had a project underway—remodeling homes, improving rental properties, or designing and installing sprinkler systems with the Garden Patch. As an avid skier, Rich spent numerous days on the slopes, sharing his love of the sport with friends and family; many of his nieces and nephews learned to ski because of him. Over the last several years, a group of his ski buddies met weekly for lunch and to play pool, something he always looked forward to. Rich reveled in riding his Harley Davidson, often taking long bike trips. His ventures to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rallies were most memorable.

After retiring from teaching in 2001, he began working with Eagle Automotive and the Vestal Family Partnership until 2008. He was a devoted supporter of the arts in Colorado and an active member of the Colorado Art Education Association, the National Art Education Association, and Retired Employees of Cherry Creek Schools (RECCS).

Rich is survived by his wife, Monica; his brothers Terry (Renee) and Steve; and many nieces, nephews, and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen, and his brother Tom.

Rich will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held in Denver in April. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Red Cross or RECCS, which provides scholarships for graduates of the Cherry Creek School District.

Rich’s legacy lives on in all those who love him and are inspired by his vitality for life.