Tributes

James Douglas Richart, Jim, arrived in Heaven on September 3, 2025. He was born on his family's farm in Watertown, Wisconsin, on March 12, 1933, to the late Raymond and Gertrude Richart (Hanke). He is predeceased by his three brothers, Joe Richart, Richie Richart, and John Richart; two sisters, Alice Richart and RaeAnn Danner; and daughter-in-law, Gina Richart (Burton). Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Coogan Richart of Mooresville, NC; his sisters, Audrey Pagel and Paulette Timm, both of Watertown, Wisconsin; and a wide circle of loving family and friends. After graduating from Watertown High School, Jim married his sweetheart, Patricia Mary Coogan, in 1952. He then went on to proudly serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. Upon returning, he attended the University of Wisconsin on the GI Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology. His professional career eventually took him and his family to RJ Reynolds in Winston-Salem, NC. One of the many highlights of his career was being part of the development of freeze-dried "astronaut" ice cream for NASA. Jim found immense joy in polka and square dancing with Pat twirling by his side. He also loved living the Lake Norman life at their beloved home, Richart's Rocky Roost. He was a lifelong fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and a Green Bay Packers Cheesehead. He enjoyed his time at Richard's Coffee Shop, where he connected with fellow veterans. His passion for service earned him numerous volunteer awards from organizations including Mooresville Schools, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, Mooresville Chamber of Commerce, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a skilled woodworker who used his talent to build toys for his grandchildren and the community. Papa Jim dearly loved his large and growing family: his devoted wife of 73 years, Pat, and their four children and spouses: Sharon Myers (Hank), Terri Mitchell (Scott), Kevin Richart (Debbie), and Daniel Richart (Stephanie). He was a proud Papa to eleven grandchildren: Nathan Myers (Stephanie), Carly Myers Littell (Ryan), Paige Myers, Claire Myers, Matthew Mitchell, Patrick Richart (Katie), James Stanley Richart (Janessa), Meredith Harkey (Ryan), Sara Richart Kistler (Caleb), Nicholas Richart (Katie), and Lauren Hawkins. But wait, there's more! Twelve great-grandchildren: Parker, Camden, Raegan, Grayson, Vivi, Max, Isla, Emory, Grier, Brooks, Brandtley James, and Laurel. Whether he was playing "pony boy" or giving Seadoo rides, the oldest to the youngest will always remember his playful spirit. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville, NC, from 11:00 am-12:00 pm, with visitation from 12:00 to 2:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Richard's Coffee Shop https://www.welcomevets.com/, St. Therese Catholic Church https://sainttherese.net/donate, and Hospice of Iredell County https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to his devoted caregiver and friend, Mary Heath, and Hospice of Iredell County for their compassionate care. Papa Jim's family takes great comfort in knowing that he is sharing his famous peanut brittle and whiskey sours with his heavenly friends and family.

Tributes

James "Jim" Douglas Richart

March 12, 1933 - September 3, 2025