James Arthur "Jim" Richard

James A. "Jim" Richard
Little Falls, New York

Mr. James A. "Jim" Richard, age 79, of Little Falls, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 29, 2021 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown with the love and support of his family by his side, following a brief illness.

Jim was born on Feb. 5, 1942 in Torrington, CT son of the late Norman and Dorothy (Jolicoeur) Richard and educated in CT schools. He graduated from Torrington, CT High School with the Class of 1960. He served his country with the US Army enlisting in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1966, serving in the Vietnam Conflict. He was united in marriage on May 1, 1971 with Dale Hearn in Litchfield, CT; a union of nearly 51 years. Jim was employed for many years with the Daniel Green Company, Dolgeville retiring in 1999 as a supervisor, following many years of dedicated service. Many will remember Jim, and his canine assistant, Duke, as the caretaker of Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills, where he retired in 2012. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church, Little Falls.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved animals, which was his most defining characteristic. He also enjoyed riding his bike and cheering for his favorite teams, the NY Yankees and Syracuse Orangemen.

Survivors include his wife, Dale of Little Falls, Thomas Richard and wife Marlo (Marzano) of Virginia Beach, Robert Richard of Little Falls and David Richard and wife Danielle (Regan) of Oceanside, CA; sister, Sandra Richard of Torrington, CT, brother, Robert Richard of Hartford, CT, sister, Barbara Kolazk of Fryeburg, Maine; grandchildren, Valerie and London; nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daugter in law, Valerie (Lynch) Richard in 2003.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of Jim's life commencing at 11 am on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2021 from the First Baptist Church, Albany Street, Little Falls with Pastor Chris Wintermute, officiating. Military honors will be offered by the US Army. Visitation will take place on Monday, Jan. 3rd from 4-7 pm at Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls, 315-508-5131. A graveside service will take place at the convenience of Jim's family at Rural Park Cemetery, Inghams Mills. Kindly consider and send memorial offerings in his name to Guardians of Freedom Memorial, 829 Brockway Rd., Frankfort, NY 13340 or visit www.gofmemorial.org.