James Harold Richards

James Harold Richards, 81 of Harbor Springs, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Munson Medical Center, in Traverse City, MI. He was born on November 25, 1942, in Ironwood, MI to the late William H. and Thelma D. (Follstad) Richards. He married Suzanne Katherine Richards on December 20, 1969, in Harbor Springs, MI. Together they lovingly raised two wonderful daughters, Kate and Kara. A devoted and proud patriot, Jim served our country in the United States Army. Post-service, he showcased his talents as a skilled craftsman and talented wood worker, contributing to many beautiful homes throughout Northern Michigan. His masterful carpentry touched the lives of many in the community, offering assistance to those with older homes. In his leisure time, Jim found joy in hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, often spending time cutting and stacking wood to keep their house warm and cozy. Long beach walks, especially on St. George Island were cherished moments for he and Sue, who were snowbirds for over 20 years. Jim enjoyed visiting with rangers and potlucks with camping friends along the shores of Lake Superior at their favorite site (#21) located at Muskallonge Lake State Park. One of his favorite things to do was surprising Sue with hand-made gifts from his shop and hand-picked wildflowers from their woods. Jim was an expert agate and mushroom hunter and enjoyed traveling and watching the pileated woodpeckers. A passionate supporter of Michigan State University, the Detroit Lions, and local sports teams. Jim enjoyed watching his grandkids play a variety of sports. Above all, Jim was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend leaving all who knew and loved him with lives much richer. He is survived by his wife Sue of 54 years, daughters Kate (Dan) Allore of Boyne Falls, Kara (John) Munro of Denver, grandchildren, Cassie Allore, Phillip (Mary Moriarty) Allore, Victoria (Dennis Thorpe) Allore, Tyler Munro and Andy Munro, great granddaughter that he was so proud to share a birthday with Nova Thorpe, his siblings, Thomas (Sally) Richards, Topsy (Nestor) Balisi, Ted and Kathy Bodzick, many loving nieces, nephews and friends, and his beloved dog Sam. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill Richards, and Alice and Joe Bodzick. Private family services will be held at a later date. Kindly share any thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may made in Jim’s memory to: Jeffrey P. Bodzick Scholarship Fund through the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, 1349 US-131 Suite A, Petoskey, MI 49770, (231) 348-5820, info@phsacf.org

James Harold Richards

November 25, 1942 - January 29, 2024