Jim Earl Richard, 75, of White Sulphur Springs, died Sunday, February 2018, of a massive heart attack. Jim was the son of Maury and Betty (Howe) Richard, who raised registered Hereford cattle on a ranch south of Miles City. After graduating high school in 1960, Jim received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Montana State University-which later became the University of Montana- where he received a Master’s degree in Wildlife Management. After completing OCS (Officer’s Candidate School) he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army. He completed his service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Germany. After his discharge from the Army in 1972, he worked several years for the Montana Department of Commerce as a bureau chief, before becoming a private consultant dealing with local government and land use issues. He was extremely proud of his record of involvement in conservation, where he developed a reputation as a fair and productive member of various proactive conservation groups around Montana, most notably the Montana Wildlife Federation and the Montana Wilderness Association.
Jim married Barbara (Fiske) Welch, of Malta, in 1986, inheriting five stepchildren, Active Duty Master Sergeant Martin Jansen, Tamara (Eklund) Jansen and Randall Jansen, and Chuck and Barry Welch. Jim and Barbara worked together in their own company as consultants to a wide variety of projects in Montana communities for over twenty years. When his wife retired, Jim continued his business and many volunteer projects right up to his death. The family enjoyed all the outdoor Montana activities, camping, fishing, hunting as well as school activities and sports.
In addition to his wife, step-children and their eleven offspring, Jim is survived by two nieces, Molly Kosty of San Francisco and Angie Kelly of Minneapolis, an uncle, John Howe of Miles City, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his stepson Barry Welch, his sister, Barbara Kosty, and his parents.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service with Military Honors will held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield St. in White Sulphur Springs. A reception will follow and will be announced when arrangements are complete. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 23, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday June 23, 2018
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 E Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 23, 2018
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield St.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the memorial service
Saturday June 23, 2018
The Yoked Parish of First Presbyterian and American Lutheran Churches
411 E Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Rick and Jeanne Gilman says
Jim was such a kind, thoughtful, honest, forthright person. We are very fortunate to have dealt with him and Barb in buying our place. We will miss seeing him at the store and post office. Our sincere condolences to Barb and all the kids.
Marty Jansen says
Respect is a term that is earned, not given and as a role model and the only father figure that I had ever known, Jim had my utmost respect. I will always cherish our rounds of golf and hunting trips that we spent together. Jim and his mother Betty are the pattern for what all human beings should strive to be as far as the way they treated others with kindness and compassion . Jim will be sorely missed.
Heidi and Clif Youmans says
The obituary for Jim Richard is a sad and startling start to the day. We knew him through the Montana Wildlife Federation and Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society and interacted during the course of a multitude of Montana issues. We were always glad to see him and have a catch-up visit. He was a fine and admirable man… A well-informed and involved citizen…..always a steadying voice of reason and a capable problem-solver….and understated – he worked quietly and effectively toward solutions. Our condolences to Barbara and the rest of his family. Please know that Jim was admired and appreciated and that he will be sorely missed – and well-remembered. Heidi and Clif Youmans
Dave Cole says
I was very sorry to read of Jim’s passing this morning. I first interviewed with Jim for a position with the State Planning Bureau at the Department of Planning and Economic Development in 1972. I worked for and with Jim for eight years and learned so much about Montana and about community planning from him. He played a key role tn the passage of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act in 1973 and the development of model subdivision regulations adopted by counties and municipalities across the state. No one was more committed to making Montana communities better places to live and to guide development in a way that would be an asset long into the future. He continued to work closely with local governments, along with his wife, Barbara, as a grant writer and manager of local housing, public facilities, and economic development projects. His involvement with the Montana Wildlife Federation used his academic training in wildlife management to make him a highly effective advocate for sound wildlife management statewide and in the Legislature. Montana will be a better place to live because of his contributions. Jim was a good man who will certainly be missed. My condolences to Barb and the rest of his family.
Virginia Knerr says
I was saddened to read of Jim’s passing. Jim was such a kind person. I enjoyed working with himon the Broadwater County Development plan. He was very thorough in his approach and made sure everyone had ample time to comment before handing over the final copy. MY condolences to Barbara and the rest of his family.
Tamie Eklund says
Jim became a part of our family when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter. While he resisted being called Grampa for a while, my youngest persisted in calling him “Grampa”. She eventually won out and he became “Grampa Jim” as a compromise. He was always so giving and loving when we needed him and very protective of Mom when needed. That won utter respect from me and made me know that my mom was truly cherished. They were always one unit and one mind. Mom told me once that a husbands biggest job was to protect his wife from her children. He was really good at that job and I respected him for that. To me, he will always be My Dad and to my children Grampa Jim. He will be missed so much. I loved him with my whole ❤️ . I hope he is lecturing Barry with his gentle nature as he always did and they are both looking down on all of with pride.
MARYANN CARLING says
The stature of a man is seen in the respect shown by who knew him thoughout his life. Jim Richards had an immeasureable stature. Condolences to Barbara and the family.
Jerry Grebenc says
I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jim on a number of projects and I had just chatted with him three weeks ago. He was a wonderful person and a true professional. The world is a lesser place without him.
Mikey Nevrivy says
Welch family…you are in my thoughts and prayers…Jim is with Berry I’m sure having a great time. I miss Berry everyday!!
Randall Richard says
Love you, Cousin Jim, I will always remember when you and Barb came to visit, and I treasure our phone conversations through the years – how warm, open, and kind-hearted you are. You’re a gem. Missing you! And sending lots of loving to Barb. Cousin Randy.
Dorothy Bradley says
I join Barb and Jim’s family and friends in celebrating his life and deeply mourning his death. Goodness, I think our paths first crossed some 35 years ago, and we worked side by side on many good conservation and land related causes over all these years. Jim had a special touch that brought people together on difficult issues. I always loved running into him in White Sulphur Springs, catching up on the past and present, and sharing concerns about the future. He was an honorable warrior and made fine contributions to the well being of our planet.
Gus Byrom says
Jim was just a gem of a person. Arriving from Colorado, Jim kindly guided me to inquire into what became my first position in planning with the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark County in 1978. Jim went on to become a great community development consultant, marked by caring integrity and enthusiasm for doing “the right thing”. Many, many communities across Montana were blessed by Jim’s efforts, along with his wife’s, Barb. Here’s to Jim as he walks into our Big Sky ! He is probably already looking over our shoulder at community planning meetings with his grin and sparkle in his eyes ! All the deepest wishes to Barb and Jim’s family. Gus Byrom, Helena
Terry Dimock says
Always a gentleman and a pleasure to work with. May he Rest In Peace. Terry Dimock
Emily Hibbard says
I worked with Jim during the 1980s when I was with the Montana Wildlife Federation. Jim had a reasonableness combined with the courage of his convictions that made him a force. He believed in community and Montana and lands and wildlife here. His leadership will be missed. Our condolences to Barb and family. We mourn his loss with you. Emily and Chase Hibbard, Helena.