On the 7th of December 2021 Richard Thomas James peaceably returned home to his loving father at the age of 79.

Richard was born on March 5th 1942 to Alfred Lorin James and Nedra Robinson in Salt Lake City Utah. He was the oldest of 3 children and has one brother, Jerry Lorin, and one sister, Maureen.

Richard married Vickie Jo Butcher and had 2 sons, Robert "Kevin" and Larry. They later divorced and Richard remarried. During this time, they resided in Salt Lake County. This union brought more children into his life. He became the loving stepfather to her children Andrea, Rusti, and Joey. They would later divorce and went their separate ways, although his stepdaughters kept in contact with him over the years.

In his later years, Richard found joy in going to Jim's Family Restaurant, where he met his lifelong friend Raeleen Waddell. He enjoyed spending time at Raeleen's house eating home cooked meals and playing games. They would sit for hours drinking coffee and sharing life's experiences.

Richard was accepted into their family and became an amazing father figure and loving grandfather. He spent many birthdays and holiday celebrations in their home. He spent countless hours sharing his life stories, including his love of his profession and dog breeding. He always loved hearing the laughter of his grandchildren. He spent as much time with them as he could.

Richard was proceeded in death by Alfred Lorin James (father), Nedra Robertson (mother), Robert Hunt (son) and Larry Hunt (son).

Richard was survived by Jerry (brother), Maureen (sister), Andrea (daughter), Rusti (daughter), Joey (daughter), Lisa, Gregory, Mariah, Cody, Sammie, Joshua, Jesse, and Lexi (grandchildren). He was also survived by Raeleen Waddell (friend), Erica/Daniel Williams (granddaughter), Tiffany/Sean Stosich (granddaughter), Airon Lovendahl (grandson), Zyvanika, Destri, Azylin, Ezrick, Reila, and Mykah (great grandchildren).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday the 17th of December at the Memorial Mountain View Mortuary 3115 Bengal Blvd Cottonwood Heights. The viewing will be held Thursday evening 16th of December from 6-8 pm and Friday December 17th from 9-10:30 am, prior to services. Internment will be at the Memorial Mountain View Cemetery

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