James Richards Obituary

James E. "Jim" Richards

James Edward "Jim" Richards, 86, of Findlay, met Jesus on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family.

Jim was born June 6, 1936, in Bucyrus, to Willis and Dorthea Richards. He was a graduate of Bucyrus High School, served in U.S. Army, and then graduated from Tiffin University. Jim will be remembered for his generous and kind heart, faith, sense of humor, grateful spirit, and as a story teller.

Jim married Rosalie Secoy in 1959 and they were married for nearly 58 years until his Rosie went to Heaven in 2017. They lived in Bucyrus, Findlay, and Hickory, NC.

Of all the things Jim was proudest of in his lifetime, it was his four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren (and two more on the way). He would talk about them to anyone who would listen. He was also proud to have been on the founding board of the Loudan Home for young pregnant women with Bob and Marcie Perkins. This effort saved the lives of nearly 300 unborn children. Jim and Rosalie also helped Jack and Bettie Snyder to formally establish a ministry in Haiti called Mission Possible and they lived in Haiti for two years as missionaries.

Jim was known as "Jim the Bicycle Man" because of the bicycle business that he ran for over 20 years on North Main St. in Findlay. Over the years, his family often met people who told stories of buying a bicycle or having one repaired in his shop and of his integrity as a businessman.

Jim was an active member of St. Michael's in Findlay and St. Aloysius in Hickory, North Carolina. While poor health kept him from being an active parishioner for the past few years, his faith life was still strong and on May 16, he met Christ face to face and was reunited with his Rosie.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Sister Teresita (Teresa) Richards, Christine Messex (late husband Howard), Robert Richards (Lisa), and Rodney Richards (Barb); eight grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan, Hailey, Victoria, Megan, Kimberly, Brady, and Daniel; two great-grandchildren, Emilia and Everleigh; and brother, Tom.

Awaiting him in Heaven were his parents, Willis and Dorthea Richards; wife, Rosalie; siblings, Wayne Richards, Marilyn Crock, Chuck Richards, Barbara Richards; and son-in-law, Howard Messex.

Visitation for family and friends will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023, at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Road, Findlay, with a scripture service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2023, at St. Michael the Archangel, Downtown Chapel, 617 West Main Cross St., Findlay. Additional visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sisters of Notre Dame, 1656 Henthorne Drive, Suite 200, Maumee, Ohio, 43537, or Mission Possible, P.O. Box 1026, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, to continue their ministry.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.