James "Jim" J. Richart

James J. Richart, known to those who loved him as Jim, passed away on October 22, 2026, at age 81, at home in Eagle, Idaho, surrounded by family.

Jim had a smile for everyone and a quiet strength that made people feel comfortable around him. He welcomed people naturally, without effort or fanfare. Friends, neighbors, and people he had only recently met came to know him as someone they could count on. As his family put it, "Call him, you got him."

For 32 years, Jim shared his life with his wife, Sharyn. Neither had expected to marry again, but when they found each other, both knew they had found something lasting. Their marriage was one of the things he was proudest of.

Jim showed his love openly - a touch as he walked by, a hand to hold, a kiss, an easy "I love you." He listened, valued Sharyn's opinion, and talked things through. He was steady, caring, and present. In her words, "Life was easy with him."

Together, they loved traveling, entertaining friends, enjoying nature, and sharing their home with animals. Over the years, those animals included dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, and geese. Jim would stop to help an animal in trouble, and if he couldn't help it himself, he would find someone who could.

That same generosity extended to people. He would drop what he was doing to help someone, whether they were a close friend or simply someone who needed him.

Jim deeply loved his children, Gaylene, Jason, Joel, and Jimmy, his (favorite) niece Kristen, and all their spouses. His children were his best friends, and spending time with them was one of the greatest joys of his life. He would gladly set aside whatever he was doing for the chance to be with them. He listened, stayed involved in their lives, and never rushed a visit. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew they mattered to him because he gave them his time and attention so freely.

Jim served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 29 years. Fellow officers knew him as a "cop's cop." He loved the work, but it never took away his kindness. He became a trusted partner and mentor to officers who needed guidance, helping them find their footing and building friendships that lasted well beyond the job.

Through his work in real estate, Jim also helped fellow officers and young families buy homes and plan their futures. They trusted his honesty and continued calling him years later. He took pleasure in seeing them succeed, without seeking recognition for his part in it.

Jim loved making things beautiful. He could lose himself in landscaping, planting, visiting nurseries, woodworking, or creating stained glass. In later years, he enjoyed golfing with friends and staying afterward for lunch and conversation.

He could be quiet and contemplative, or laughing and having a wonderful time. He was still flirty with his wife, still generous with his time, and always concerned about how others felt.

Jim never needed to tell people what a good man he was. They knew through the way he treated them. Along with Sharyn, his children, his niece, and their spouses, he leaves behind seven grandchildren and their spouses, eight great-grandchildren, and a brotherhood of law enforcement officers who will never forget him. His family and friends will carry with them countless ordinary moments that now mean everything. 

A funeral service will be held,  10:00 am, Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. Garden City, Idaho.  Attendance is limited by invitation only.  To attend Jim's service virtually, please visit the link below.  

A graveside service will be held at Rose hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California. Service date and time will be announced shortly. 

Services in Idaho are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City, Idaho. 208.853.3131

Services in California are under the direction of Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary. 562.699.0921