James Richards

Jim was born on June 9, 1942 in Ishpeming, MI to Robert E. and Charlotte H. (Lofaro) Richards. He was a 1960 graduate of Ishpeming High School and received a bachelor of arts degree from Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1964.

Jim married Sheila E. Rosewall at St. John’s Church on May 15, 1965. Together they had two children, Tracy James in April of 1966 and Lisa Lee in December of 1970.

Jim worked for Ford Motor Credit Company in Marquette and Saginaw, MI for two years. He returned to the Upper Peninsula and was employed for Universal C.I.T. and then as business/credit manager for St. Mary’s Hospital in 1968. In 1973, St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital merged into Marquette General Hospital where Jim worked as an administrator overseeing various hospital departments until 2003. He also worked as interim administrator at Munising Memorial Hospital, Ontonagon Memorial Hospital and Iron County General Hospital. Jim was a firm believer of local healthcare and regional specialty healthcare being provided in the Upper Peninsula.

Jim was a member of the U.P. EMS Corporation and served as its treasurer. He was also a member of the Marquette County Medical Control Board, the Hospital Financial Management Association and Exchange Club of Marquette.

He spent many enjoyable hours at camp with Sheila, his children and grandchildren. He loved hunting, fishing and walking in the woods. Jim also enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to run the camp tractors and bulldozer.

Jim and Sheila loved to dance and were members of the Cotillian Club of Marquette. They spent two months as ‘snowbirds’ each year in Fort Pierce, FL. Jim enjoyed Tuesday breakfasts with his buddies, Thursday breakfasts with Bill, and weekly puzzle days with Lisa.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheila (Rosewall) Richards of 59 years; his daughter, Lisa (Scott) Ely; grandchildren, Garner (Samantha) Richards, Holt (Brooke) Richards, Ryan (Sydney) Ely and Rachel (Austyn) Tabbert; great-grandchildren, Carter, Cooper, Dylan, Callie and Conner; his sister, Suzanne (Barry) Luchs; his brothers, Gerald (Sandy) Richards and Michael (Barb Thomas) Richards; his former daughter-in-law, Naomi (Richards) Lahners; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He now joins his beloved son, Tracy, who passed away in 2007, as well as his parents, Robert and Charlotte Richards; his in-laws, William Edwin and Evangeline Rosewall; and sister-in-law, Kathy Richards.

Jim’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11:30 am with Rev. Dan Moll officiating. A luncheon will follow in the reception room.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jim’s name to St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2372 Badger St., Marquette, MI 49855 or UPAWs, 815 S. State Hwy M553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Jim’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com