James "Jim" Edwin Richard

James “Jim” Edwin Richard, age 59, of Saginaw, went to be with the Lord following a sudden cardiac arrest on Saturday, April 8, 2017. Jim was born on June 22, 1957 in West Branch, MI. Jim attended Eisenhower High School, Grand Rapids Baptist College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Interdisciplinary Studies, and Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids where he received his Master of Business Administration. Jim’s love for business came from his first job at Henry’s Shoe Repair in Saginaw, where Henry left a strong spiritual and business influence on him. Throughout his career, he worked at numerous companies including: Noordyk Broadcasting, American Media Services Interactive, MediaSpan, Salem Media Group of Washington, D.C., Cumulus Communications, and was most recently the Business Partnership Manager at Family Life Radio. Jim’s immense love for Jesus was paramount throughout his life. Even as a young child he wanted to be like his father and preach. He was an ordained pastor where he held numerous roles in churches around the country. His positions included working with the youth ministries as Youth Pastor, Senior Pastor and a Facilitator with various church planting ministries: Paynesville Baptist Church, OH First Baptist Church, Caro, MI Blackhawk Baptist Church, Ft. Wayne, IN Battle Creek Bible Church, Battle Creek, MI Grace Baptist Church, Saginaw, MI Calvary Evangelical Free, Essex Fells, NJ Newaygo Evangelical Church, Newago, MI Jim’s love for God’s Word and his love for Jesus was unwavering and evident in every aspect of his life. He was a blessing to those who knew him and his great love for his Savior was seen in his words, actions, and interactions, which often moved him to tears when sharing about Him. Jim dearly loved his “Grands”, deep meaningful conversations with people, especially anything to do with Theology or politics. He loved music, UofM Football, golfing, gardening, woodworking, cooking, eating out, especially Indian and Thai food. Jim and Patty were introduced by Deb Berends over 17 years ago. They recently married and cherished their families and time spent together. Surviving are Jim’s beloved wife, Patty (Meyers) Richard; his loving daughters, Sarah (Stephen) Byers and Elissa (Jesse) Johnson; Patty’s children, Jamie Wilson, Nicholas (Nicole) Wilson, Taylor Wilson (Courteney Moulton), Hannah Wilson, and Ian Wilson; Grampy’s adorable grands, Ashley Byers, Alita White, Jason “Goob” Byers, Natalie White, Seth White, Isaiah Johnson, Evan Johnson, Asher Johnson, and Eliana Johnson; his cherished parents, Rev. Jack Edwin and Zelma Richard; his loving siblings, Karen Richard, Diane (Tom) Stout, David (Sue) Richard, and Ruth (Eric) Meyhoefer; mother in law, Josephine Meyers; sisters in law, Barb (Barry) Anderson, Carolyn Meyers, and Mary Beth (Steve) Kolaja; many family members, friends, and his beloved dogs, Bubba and Bear. Jim was preceded in death by his treasured son in law, Kenneth Ryan White, U.S. Army CW3. Visitation will be held Monday, April 17, 2017, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602. Visitation will continue Tuesday, April 18, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Hopevale Church, 4873 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials in Jim’s name may be sent to Family Life Radio, www.myflr.org or to Great Lakes Boxer Rescue, www.greatlakesboxerrescue.org/info/donate For information, please call (989) 755-8277. For online condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com

James "Jim" Edwin Richard

June 22, 1957 - April 8, 2017