James Elmo Richards

James (Jim) E. Richards of West Valley City passed away unexpectedly at age 73 on April 5, 2023. Jim was born on December 10, 1949, to Joy Oyler and William Quinn Richards, in Panguitch, Utah. Jim married Susan (Sue) E. Falkenstein, on August 3, 1973, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Jim spent his formative years in Panguitch, Richfield, and Salt Lake City. At the age of 14 while living in Salt Lake City, Jim won the Golden Gloves boxing championship for the Welter Weight Division. He was very proud of this accomplishment, and relished the “tough guy” image that this title gave him.
Jim spent most of his teenage years living in Panguitch where he attended and graduated from Panguitch High. He excelled in basketball and baseball. Jim had a big circle of friends with whom he shared many adventures and misadventures. Jim worked on the State Road Crew in the summers and made a life-long friend, Harry Judd. Jim lived with his dad and Uncle Floyd. Uncle Floyd was a second father to Jim. Jim was surrounded by extended family – aunts, uncles, and cousins who all looked after him.
Jim served an honorable mission in the North Carolina/Virginia Mission from 1970 to 1972. He loved his mission. Art Foster, one of his missionary companions, became a
life-long friend. After his mission Jim attended Ricks College in Idaho. Then Jim took an adventure to Alexandria, Virginia, where his friend, Art, introduced him to Sue Falkenstein, a convert to the Church. It was love at first sight for Jim and Sue and they were quickly engaged. Jim and Sue, as a couple, and Art Foster and Mary Jo Davies, as a couple, had back-to-back weddings in the Salt Lake Temple on August 3, 1973.
Together Jim and Sue reared five children: Ray, Jared, and Kimberly were born in Salt Lake City. Jimmy and Paula were born in South Carolina where Jim served in the United States Army for three years at Fort Jackson. Jim and Sue were also blessed with
eleven grandchildren who have brought them much joy.
Jim served in various capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His favorite calling was being a teacher.
Jim’s greatest passion in life was debating about politics and sports.
Jim was a life-long student. He was determined to earn a college degree. Jim never gave up, and at the age of 67 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Degree. Jim and Sue were very proud of this accomplishment.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sue, and children-Ray (Julie) Richards, Jimmy (Monique) Richards, Paula (Rob) Kristensen, Jared Richards, and Kimberly Richards. Jim is the proud grandpa of eight grandsons and three granddaughters.
Jim was blessed with two brothers and three sisters: Eddie, Evelyn, Billy, Dorothy, and Pat. Jim’s parents, Eddie, Billy, and Dorothy have preceded Jim in death.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 13, 2023, at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery located on 6500 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123.
Service Information
Viewing April 13, 2023 at 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary





Celebration of Life
April 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary